오직
ojik[o̞d͡ʑik̚]
The English word 'only' can be expressed in Korean as 오직 (ojik) or using the particle …만.
Meaning: without others or anything further, exclusively (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 오직 | ojik | [o̞d͡ʑik̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| …만 |
The adverb 오직 emphasizes exclusivity or singularity, while the particle …만 is used to mean 'only [noun]'. You will often see them used together as 오직 …만 to create a very strong emphasis on the exclusivity of the subject.
Which one should you use?
오직 is an adverb used for emphasis and often appears at the beginning of a clause. In contrast, …만 is a particle that must be attached directly to the specific noun being limited.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 만 is attached directly to a noun to mean 'only [noun]'. If you wish to describe a noun as the 'only one' of its kind using an adjective, you can use the phrase 하나밖에 없는.
How do you pronounce it?
ojik
Did you know?
- While 만 means 'only', the particle 밖에 is used to mean 'nothing but' and must always be followed by a negative verb.
- The term 오직 carries a much more formal, poetic, or religious weight than the everyday particle …만. It is frequently found in literature, hymns, or profound speeches to denote a singular, absolute truth.
- The adverb 오직 has roots in Middle Korean and can be traced back to the 15th-century text Seokbo sangjeol.
Examples in context
- 오직 시간만이 고통을 낫게 한다.Only time will help ease the pain.This sentence shows how 오직 can be used to emphasize the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #13118413 by romzzo, translation #9744457 by CK
- 우린 오직 프랑스어로만 이야기 해.We only speak French to each other.This example demonstrates the use of 오직 within a clause.Tatoeba #8386273 by Eunhee, translation #8361742 by CK
- 오직 네 마리 말만 경주에 참가했어.Only four horses competed in the race.This sentence illustrates the use of both 오직 and the particle 만 to strongly emphasize a specific number of subjects.Tatoeba #8365123 by Eunhee, translation #49721 by CK
- 저는 한국어만 할 수 있어요.I can only speak Korean.
- 제가 공항에 갈 때는 택시만 타요.When I go to the airport, I only take a taxi.
- 저는 오직 한 명의 친구만 있어요.I only have one friend.
- 내일은 오직 일에만 집중해야 해요.Tomorrow, you must only focus on work.
- 그냥 이 식당에서만 먹을래요.I only want to eat at this restaurant.
- 나는 순수히 취미로 그림을 그려.I only draw pictures as a hobby.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are discussing a secret project.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 비밀은 오직 우리 둘만 알아야 해.i bimirun ojik uri dulman araya hae.Only the two of us should know this secret.
- 지은 Ji-eun걱정 마, 아무에게도 말 안 할게.geokjeong ma, amuegedodo mal an halge.Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo오직 너만 믿을 수 있어서 말하는 거야.ojik neoman mideul su isseoseo malhaneun geoya.I'm telling you because I can only trust you.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워, 현우야. 꼭 비밀로 할게.gomawo, hyeon-u-ya. kkok bimil-lo halge.Thanks, Hyunwoo. I'll definitely keep it a secret.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “only” translations and entries 오직, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오직, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
