밖에 (bakk-e, bakke) · 외에 (oe-e, oee)
'밖에' expresses limitation, while '외에' indicates exclusion or addition.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
밖에: only, expresses limitation
When to use
negative sentences only, limited quantity or scope, not used in positive sentences
The nuance
밖에 is used with negative sentences to emphasize 'only' or 'nothing but' a certain thing. It is unnatural with positive sentences.
외에: besides, except, indicates exclusion or addition
When to use
used in positive and negative sentences, to exclude or add, expanding scope
The nuance
외에 can be used in both positive and negative sentences to indicate exclusion or addition, similar to 'besides' or 'except'.
나는 사과밖에 안 먹었어.
na-neun sa-gwa-bakk-e an meok-eoss-eo., na neun sa gwa bakk e an meok eoss eo.
Correct use of 밖에 with a negative sentence to express limitation: 'I only ate apples.'
나는 사과밖에 먹었어.
na-neun sa-gwa-bakk-e meok-eoss-eo., na neun sa gwa bakk e meok eoss eo.
밖에 is unnatural in positive sentences; should use 외에 or another expression instead.
김치 외에 반찬도 주세요.
gim-chi oe-e ban-chan-do ju-se-yo., gim chi oe e ban chan do ju se yo.
Correct use of 외에 in positive sentence to indicate addition: 'Please give side dishes besides kimchi.'
김치밖에 반찬도 주세요.
gim-chi-bakk-e ban-chan-do ju-se-yo., gim chi bakk e ban chan do ju se yo.
밖에 is not used in positive sentences; this sentence is unnatural.
나 외에 아무도 없어요.
na oe-e a-mu-do eop-eo-yo., na oe e a mu do eop eo yo.
Correct use of 외에 in negative sentence to indicate exclusion: 'There is no one except me.'
나밖에 아무도 없어요.
na-bakk-e a-mu-do eop-eo-yo., na bakk e a mu do eop eo yo.
Correct use of 밖에 with negative sentence to emphasize limitation: 'There is no one but me.'
이 문제 외에 다른 질문 있어요?
i mun-je oe-e da-reun jil-mun iss-eo-yo?, i mun je oe e da reun jil mun iss eo yo?
Correct use of 외에 in positive sentence to ask about addition: 'Do you have other questions besides this one?'
이 문제밖에 다른 질문 있어요?
i mun-je-bakk-e da-reun jil-mun iss-eo-yo?, i mun je bakk e da reun jil mun iss eo yo?
밖에 is unnatural in positive sentences; '외에' should be used instead.
Which expression emphasizes 'only ~' in negative sentences?
Which expression is appropriate for 'besides' in positive sentences?
The sentence '나밖에 아무도 없어요' is?
