밖에 (bakk-e, bakke)
밖에 (bakke) is used to express limitation or negative emphasis, mainly in the pattern '~밖에 없다' meaning 'only' or 'nothing but.'
When and how native speakers actually use it.
밖에: expresses limitation meaning 'only' or 'nothing but'
When to use
Expressing limitation, Negative emphasis, No alternatives
The nuance
밖에 attaches after a noun to mean 'only' or 'nothing but,' emphasizing limitation. It is mainly used in negative sentences or situations expressing restriction, commonly in the form '~밖에 없다/없다' (there is only ~). For example, '나밖에 없다' means 'only I am here.' It is rarely used in positive sentences.
나는 사과밖에 안 먹었어.
na-neun sa-gwa-bakk-e an meok-eoss-eo., na neun sa gwa bakk e an meok eoss eo.
'밖에' after '사과' clearly limits to 'only an apple'.
그 사람밖에 친구가 없어요.
geu sa-ram-bakk-e chin-gu-ga eop-eo-yo., geu sa ram bakk e chin gu ga eop eo yo.
In a negative sentence, '밖에' limits 'friend' to only that person.
커피밖에 좋아해요.
keo-pi-bakk-e joh-a-hae-yo., keo pi bakk e joh a hae yo.
Using '밖에' in positive sentences is unnatural.
책밖에 없어요.
chaek-bakk-e eop-eo-yo., chaek bakk e eop eo yo.
'밖에' limits 'book' to only one present.
저밖에 몰라요.
jeo-bakk-e mol-ra-yo., jeo bakk e mol ra yo.
'밖에' limits 'I' to only one who knows.
음식밖에 많이 있어요.
eum-sik-bakk-e man-i iss-eo-yo., eum sik bakk e man i iss eo yo.
'밖에' cannot be used with '많이' as it contradicts limitation.
In what kind of sentences is '밖에' mainly used?
Which sentence is correct?
What is the best meaning of '밖에'?
