“Nothing but” in Korean

In Korean, there are expressiones formed with -만 and -밖에 parallel to the English expressions "only" and "nothing but." The former works in positive sentences, while the latter works in negative sentences.

In casual speech, -밖에 sees more use than -만.

밖

outside, outdoors

[n.]밖에

(n.) outside of something, other than something, beyond the range of something

-밖에 only works in negative sentences.

왜 공부밖에 안 해요?

Why don't you do anything but study?

이거밖에 없어요?

You have nothing but this?

한국어 조금밖에 못 해요.

I can only speak a little Korean. lit. I cannot speak Korean well, besides a little bit.

한국인 친구가 한 명밖에 없어요.

I only have one Korean friend.

한국인 친구는 한 명밖에 없어요.

As for Korean friends, I have only one.

With verbs that have an inherently negative meaning, -만 is usually preferred.

저는 닭고기만 싫어해요.

I only hate chicken.