V/A + -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다, N + 뿐이다 (Only, merely, nothing more than)

Conjugation & Pattern

• Present: V/A with batchim + -을 뿐이다 | No batchim/ㄹ + -ㄹ 뿐이다
• Past: V/A + -았/었을 뿐이다
• Noun (N) + 뿐이다 (mid-sentence: -(으)ㄹ 뿐인데)

Detailed Usage

Restricts the scope of a situation, emphasizing that an action or state goes no further than stated. Often paired with adverbs like '다만', '단지', or particle '만'.

Example Sentences

1. 1

   저는 그 사람을 잘 몰라요. 지난번에 한 번 봤을 뿐이에요.

   Jeoneun geu sarameul jal mollayo. jinanbeone han beon bwasseul ppunieyo.

   I don't know that person well. I only saw them once last time.

2. 2

   어려운 이웃을 위해 적은 액수를 기부했을 뿐인데 칭찬을 하시니 부끄럽군요.

   Eoryeoun iuseul wihae jeogeun aeksureul gibuhaesseul ppuninde chingchaneul hasini bukkeureopgunyo.

   I merely donated a small amount for neighbors in need, so I'm embarrassed by the praise.

3. 3

   소문으로만 들었을 뿐이지 직접 본 적은 없습니다.

   Somuneuroman deureosseul ppuniji jikjeop bon jeogeun eopseumnida.

   I have only heard it as a rumor and have never seen it in person.