26. Korean Grammar: Using 만 and 도

Korean Grammar: Using 만 and 도

In this post, we'll learn how to use the Korean particles 만 and 도, which are very common and useful in everyday conversations. Both particles help add emphasis, but in different ways. Let's dive into their meanings, how to use them, and see examples!

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1. What is 만?

The particle 만 means “only” in English. It emphasizes that something is limited to a certain item, person, or situation.

How to Use 만:

• Attach 만 directly after a noun, pronoun, or even some verbs.

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Examples of 만:

1. 물만 마셨어요.
   (I only drank water.)
2. 저만 숙제를 했어요.
   (Only I did the homework.)
3. 하루만 기다려 주세요.
   (Please wait just one day.)
4. 친구 만났을 때 인사만 했어요.
   (When I met my friend, I only said hello.)
5. 이 책만 읽었어요.
   (I read only this book.)

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Similar Expressions to 만:

• ~만 있다 (There is only...):
  • 학생만 있어요. (There are only students.)
• 밖에 없다 (There is nothing but...):
  • 학생밖에 없어요. (There’s nothing but students.)

Difference:

• 만 is neutral and factual.
• 밖에 없다 often has a negative nuance, implying limitation.

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2. What is 도?

The particle 도 means “also” or “too”. It can also mean “even” to show emphasis.

How to Use 도:

• Attach 도 directly after a noun or pronoun.

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Examples of 도:

1. 나도 갔어요.
   (I also went.)
2. 물도 마셨어요.
   (I drank water too.)
3. 친구도 숙제를 했어요.
   (My friend also did the homework.)
4. 심지어 아기도 알아요. (Even a baby knows.)
   → 아기도 알아요.
5. 어제도 비가 왔어요.
   (It rained yesterday too.)

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Two Meanings of 도:

1. Also/Too: Adds additional information.
   • 저도 학생이에요. (I’m a student too.)
2. Even: Adds surprise or emphasis.
   • 어린아이도 알아요. (Even a young child knows.)

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3. Comparing 만 and 도

Particle Meaning Example Translation

만	Only	사과만 먹었어요.	I only ate apples.
도	Also/Even	사과도 먹었어요.	I also ate apples.

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4. Vocabulary from Examples

Korean English

물	Water
숙제	Homework
하루	One day
친구	Friend
책	Book
학생	Student
아기	Baby
사과	Apple
어린아이	Young child
어제	Yesterday

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5. Quick Quiz (Test Yourself!)

1️⃣ Choose the correct particle (만 or 도):

1. 저는 커피___ 마셨어요. (I only drank coffee.)
2. 그는 한국어___ 공부해요. (He studies Korean too.)
3. 어제___ 영화 봤어요. (I watched a movie yesterday too.)
4. 이 문제___ 어려워요. (Only this problem is difficult.)
5. 나___ 갈 거예요. (I will go too.)

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2️⃣ Translate into Korean:

1. I only have one pen.
2. Even my friend knows the answer.
3. She ate only rice.
4. We also went to the park.
5. There is only one person here.

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3️⃣ What’s the difference?

1. 물만 마셨어요 vs 물도 마셨어요
   • How does the meaning change?

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Share your answers in the comments below, and let's practice together! 😊📚