Nothing but: -기만 하다

This pattern is a three-part construction. First, you take a verb or adjective and turn it into a noun using -기. Next, you add the particle 만, which means "only." Finally, you add the verb 하다 to finish the thought. It literally translates to "to do only the [Action]." It is very flexible because it works with both action verbs and descriptive adjectives. Whether you are talking about a person who 먹기만 해요 (only eats) or a room that is 크기만 해요 (is only big/just big), the logic remains the same. It simplifies the world into one single point of focus.

1. 1Creating this expression is easier than ordering coffee in Seoul. Just follow these steps:
2. 2Identify the verb or adjective stem by dropping 다 from the dictionary form. For example, 가다 becomes 가.
3. 3Attach -기 to the stem. Now you have 가기. This is your noun form.
4. 4Add 만 directly after -기. Now you have 가기만.
5. 5Finish with 하다. The final form is 가기만 하다.
6. 6Note: This works the same for stems ending in vowels or consonants. No tricky irregulars to worry about here! For past tense, you only change the final 하다 to 했다. For future tense, change it to 할 것이다 or 할 거예요.

Use this pattern when you want to emphasize that one thing is happening to the exclusion of others.

• Complaining about habits: Use it when your roommate 잠자기만 해요 (does nothing but sleep) while you clean the kitchen.
• Describing disappointing things: Use it for a phone that is 비싸기만 해요 (is just expensive) but doesn't work well.
• Focusing on one task: In a job interview, you might say you 공부하기만 했어요 (only studied) to show your dedication to a specific field.
• Expressing worry: If a baby 울기만 해요 (only cries), it shows a continuous, singular state that causes concern.
• Ordering food: If you are picky, you might tell the waiter you 야채만 먹기만 해요 (though 야채만 먹어요 is simpler, -기만 하다 adds emphasis to the restriction).

Do not use -기만 하다 if there are multiple actions happening. If you are eating AND watching TV, this grammar is a no-go. Also, avoid using it when you want to say "only [Noun]." For example, if you only want water, say 물만 주세요, not 물하기만 하세요. This pattern is strictly for actions or descriptions. It is also a bit strong, so be careful using it with superiors if you are complaining. Telling your boss they 말하기만 해요 (only talk) might result in a very short career! Think of it like a grammar traffic light; it stops all other actions to let one through.

One big mistake is confusing -기만 하다 with -기만 하면. They look like twins, but they act very differently. -기만 하면 means "whenever" or "as long as." For example, "Whenever I go there..." vs "I only go there." Another common slip-up is forgetting the -기. You cannot say 먹만 하다. That is like trying to drive a car without wheels. Always remember that the -기 is the bridge that lets the verb connect to 만. Finally, don't forget to conjugate the final 하다. Leaving it as 하다 in a conversation sounds like you are reading a dictionary.

Compare -기만 하다 with -기도 하다. While -기만 하다 is exclusive (only this), -기도 하다 is inclusive (also this/sometimes this).

• 공부하기만 해요: I only study. (No fun allowed!)
• 공부하기도 해요: I also study. (I do other things too.)

You might also see Noun + 만 하다. This is used for comparisons of size or degree, like 주먹만 하다 (to be the size of a fist). Do not get these mixed up! -기만 하다 needs that -기 to stay focused on the action.