뿐 (only, nothing but) - Only, Merely

Think of 뿐 as a giant "STOP" sign for options. It attaches to nouns or verb stems. It limits the scope of your sentence completely. When you use it, you exclude everything else. If you say you "only" like coffee, tea is out. It is more than just a simple count. It often carries a feeling of "that is all." Sometimes it sounds a bit firm or final. Other times, it sounds humble or even a bit sad. It depends on your tone and the situation. It is like the grammar version of a minimalist room. Only the essentials are allowed inside. Yes, even native speakers use this to be dramatic sometimes. Think of it as your "exclusivity" tool in Korean.

1. 1Using this grammar is like building with blocks. You just need to follow these three steps:
2. 2Identify your base word (Noun or Verb).
3. 3For Nouns, just add 뿐 directly after the word.
4. 4For Verbs, add -(으)ㄹ to the stem first, then 뿐.
5. 5If the verb stem ends in a vowel, use -ㄹ 뿐.
6. 6If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use -을 뿐.
7. 7To finish the sentence, usually add 이다 (to be).
8. 8Example: 돈 (money) becomes 돈뿐이다 (it is only money).
9. 9Example: 보다 (to see) becomes 볼 뿐이다 (I am just looking).
10. 10It is like a simple math equation for your brain. No complicated irregulars to ruin your day here! Just watch out for the ㄹ batchim in some verbs.

Use 뿐 when you want to emphasize a limit. It is great for real-world scenarios like these:

• Ordering food: "I only want one burger, please."
• Asking directions: "Is it only a five-minute walk?"
• Job interviews: "I only have two years of experience."
• Personal feelings: "You are my only friend."

It works perfectly when someone offers you more. You can politely say, "This is enough for me." It also works for actions that have no deeper meaning. Maybe you are just staring into space. You aren't thinking; you are 멍하게 있을 뿐 (just being blank). It is the ultimate tool for honesty. It tells the listener, "Don't expect anything more than this."

Do not use 뿐 when you are listing things. If you have bread AND milk, 뿐 is wrong. It is strictly for a single category or action. Also, avoid it when you want to sound inclusive. It is an "exclusive" pattern, not a "welcoming" one. Don't use it if you are trying to be vague. This grammar is about being very specific and direct. It is not for the "maybe" or "around" situations. If you are unsure, stick to basic particles for a bit. Using 뿐 incorrectly can make you sound a bit cold. It is like slamming a door on other possibilities. Use it when you mean it, not by accident!

Many people forget the -(으)ㄹ when using verbs. You cannot just say 가 뿐이다. It must be 갈 뿐이다. Another big mistake is confusing it with 만. While similar, 뿐 often feels more formal or literary. Some forget to add 이다 at the end of sentences. Without 이다, the sentence just hangs there like a cliffhanger. Also, watch your spacing! Nouns and 뿐 stick together like best friends. For verbs, there is a tiny space: -(으)ㄹ 뿐. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Green means attach to nouns, yellow means space for verbs. Red means don't forget the ending! Yes, we all mess this up at least once.

Let us look at 뿐 versus 만. Both mean "only," but they feel different. 만 is the everyday, casual "only" you use daily. 뿐 feels a bit more "nothing else exists but this." It is like comparing a regular "only" to "only and nothing else."

• 물만 마셔요 = I only drink water (neutral).
• 물뿐이에요 = It is nothing but water (emphatic).

There is also 밖에, which always needs a negative ending. 물밖에 없어요 means "I have nothing but water." 뿐 is more flexible and can be used in positive sentences. Think of 만 as your basic tool. 뿐 is your specialized tool for high-value emphasis. Using 뿐 makes you sound a bit more sophisticated. It is like choosing a suit over a t-shirt.