“Only” with negatives
Explanation
N 밖에 + negative = only: 천 원밖에 없어요 (I only have 1,000 won).
Do not translate word-for-word as “outside not have.”
만 also means only but does not require negation: 물만 마셨어요.
Focus on construction pairs: 밖에 + 없다/못/안 patterns.
This page focuses on ““Only” with negatives.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.
After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.
Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.
When you can explain ““Only” with negatives” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.
Examples
한국어밖에 몰라요.
I only know Korean.
한 명밖에 안 왔어요.
Only one person came.
물만 주세요.
Only water, please. (만, no negative needed)
Common mistakes
- 물밖에 있어요 intending “only water.”
- Avoiding 밖에 entirely and overusing awkward English calques.
How to practice
- Level: elementary–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
- Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
- After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.
Check yourself
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