TL;DR 🦄
- 🧵 -다 뿐이지 means “it’s only that..., but...” or “nothing more than the fact that...”
- ⚖️ It limits one fact, then contrasts it with the speaker’s real point: 조금 늦었다 뿐이지 문제는 없어요. [jo-geum neu-jeot-tta ppu-ni-ji mun-je-neun eop-seo-yo] — It’s only that it was a little late; there’s no problem.
- 🎭 The part after 뿐이지 often corrects the listener’s impression: “Don’t judge the whole situation by that one fact.”
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open Korean Helper Widgets and type in sentences like 비싸다 뿐이지 품질은 좋아요 [bi-ssa-da ppu-ni-ji pum-ji-reun jo-a-yo] to hear how 뿐이지 links smoothly after the plain statement.
🌈 The Big Picture
뿐 means only / merely / nothing beyond that, and -지 makes it feel like the speaker is setting up a contrast: “It’s only X, but Y.” 🪞
The key rhythm is:
[plain statement] 뿐이지, [real point / contrast].
[[plain statement] ppu-ni-ji, [real point / contrast]]
It is only that [plain statement], but [real point / contrast].
Use it when one fact is true, but the speaker thinks that fact should not define the whole situation. It often sounds like: “Yes, that’s true — but don’t overread it.” 🧠
🎨 The Core -다 뿐이지 Family
1. “Only that fact is true — the bigger judgment is different” ⚖️
- 가방이 작다 뿐이지 튼튼해요.
[ga-bang-i jak-tta ppu-ni-ji teun-teun-hae-yo]
The bag is only small; it’s sturdy. 👜
가방 = bag, 작다 = to be small, 튼튼하다 = to be sturdy.
- 길이 좁다 뿐이지 안전해요.
[gi-ri jop-tta ppu-ni-ji an-jeon-hae-yo]
The road is only narrow; it’s safe. 🛣️
길 = road, 좁다 = to be narrow, 안전하다 = to be safe.
2. “Only that happened — it doesn’t mean more happened” 🧾
- 회의에서 의견을 말했다 뿐이지 결정하지는 않았어요.
[hoe-ui-e-seo ui-gyeo-neul mal-haet-tta ppu-ni-ji gyeol-jeong-ha-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo]
I only stated an opinion at the meeting; I didn’t make a decision. 🗣️
회의 = meeting, 의견 = opinion, 말하다 = to say, 결정하다 = to decide.
- 자료를 읽었다 뿐이지 발표를 준비하지는 않았어요.
[ja-ryo-reul il-geot-tta ppu-ni-ji bal-pyo-reul jun-bi-ha-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo]
I only read the materials; I didn’t prepare the presentation. 📄
자료 = materials, 읽다 = to read, 발표 = presentation, 준비하다 = to prepare.
3. “It looks negative, but the result is still okay” 🌦️
- 비가 왔다 뿐이지 행사는 잘 끝났어요.
[bi-ga wat-tta ppu-ni-ji haeng-sa-neun jal kkeut-na-sseo-yo]
It only rained; the event ended well. ☔
비 = rain, 오다 = to come / to rain, 행사 = event, 끝나다 = to end.
- 목소리가 작았다 뿐이지 내용은 분명했어요.
[mok-so-ri-ga ja-ga-tta ppu-ni-ji nae-yong-eun bun-myeong-hae-sseo-yo]
The voice was only quiet; the content was clear. 🎙️
목소리 = voice, 내용 = content, 분명하다 = to be clear.
4. “Similar on the surface, but different underneath” 🎭
- 모양만 다르다 뿐이지 기능은 같아요.
[mo-yang-man da-reu-da ppu-ni-ji gi-neung-eun ga-ta-yo]
Only the shape is different; the function is the same. 🔧
모양 = shape, 다르다 = to be different, 기능 = function, 같다 = to be the same.
🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence
Pattern A: adjective plain form + 뿐이지
- 가격이 높다 뿐이지 품질은 좋아요.
[ga-gyeo-gi nop-tta ppu-ni-ji pum-ji-reun jo-a-yo]
The price is only high; the quality is good. 💳
가격 = price, 높다 = to be high, 품질 = quality, 좋다 = to be good.
Pattern B: past action + 뿐이지
- 문자를 보냈다 뿐이지 답을 받은 건 아니에요.
[mun-ja-reul bo-naet-tta ppu-ni-ji da-beul ba-deun geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only sent a text; it doesn’t mean I received an answer. 📱
문자 = text message, 보내다 = to send, 답 = answer, 받다 = to receive.
Pattern C: noun + 이다 뿐이지
- 연습이다 뿐이지 실제 시험은 아니에요.
[yeon-seu-bi-da ppu-ni-ji sil-je si-heo-meun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only practice; it’s not the real test. 📝
연습 = practice, 실제 = real, 시험 = test, 아니다 = to not be.
🧩 General Formation Rule
Think of -다 뿐이지 as plain statement + 뿐이지. The first half sounds like a complete plain-form fact, then 뿐이지 says “but that’s all it is.” 🧵
- Descriptive verb/adjective present: 작다 → 작다 뿐이지 [jak-tta ppu-ni-ji] — it is only small, but...
- Action verb past: 읽었다 → 읽었다 뿐이지 [il-geot-tta ppu-ni-ji] — only read, but...
- Action verb present: use the plain present statement, often -ㄴ다/는다: 말한다 → 말한다 뿐이지 [mal-han-da ppu-ni-ji] — only says, but...
- Noun + 이다: 연습이다 → 연습이다 뿐이지 [yeon-seu-bi-da ppu-ni-ji] — it is only practice, but...
Spacing note
Write 뿐 separately in this construction because it is a dependent noun here:
- ✅ 늦었다 뿐이지 [neu-jeot-tta ppu-ni-ji] — it is only that it was late, but...
- ✅ 작다 뿐이지 [jak-tta ppu-ni-ji] — it is only small, but...
- ❌ 늦었다뿐이지
📚 Cross-check note
The meaning and spacing of 뿐 in the -다 뿐이지 construction were cross-checked against National Institute of Korean Language materials at korean.go.kr. Korean grammar references describe this use as “오직 그렇게 하거나 그러하다는 것” — “only that it is so / only that it happened.” ✅
🪞 Synonym Alert
- -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 [-(eu)l ppu-ni-da] — only / merely; often states limitation directly. Example: 기다릴 뿐이에요. [gi-da-ril ppu-ni-e-yo] — I’m only waiting.
- -에 불과하다 [-e bul-gwa-ha-da] — to be nothing more than; formal/evaluative. Example: 연습에 불과해요. [yeon-seu-be bul-gwa-hae-yo] — It is nothing more than practice.
- 다만 [da-man] / 그저 [geu-jeo] — merely / simply; adverbs, not the same sentence frame.
- -기는 하지만 [-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is true that..., but...; broader contrast, less “only that fact” focused.
⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge
- ❌ 늦었다뿐이지 → ✅ 늦었다 뿐이지 [neu-jeot-tta ppu-ni-ji] — keep 뿐 spaced here.
- ❌ 자료를 읽다 뿐이지 for “I only read the materials” → ✅ 자료를 읽었다 뿐이지 [ja-ryo-reul il-geot-tta ppu-ni-ji] — use the past statement when the event already happened.
- ❌ Treating it like casual 그냥 [geu-nyang] “just” → ✅ Use it when you are limiting one fact and contrasting it with a bigger point.
- ❌ Ending the sentence after 뿐이지 with no contrast → ✅ Add or imply the real point after it: 비싸다 뿐이지 오래 써요. [bi-ssa-da ppu-ni-ji o-rae sseo-yo] — It’s only expensive; you use it for a long time.
- ❌ Using -다 뿐이지 as exactly the same as -(으)ㄹ 따름이다 → ✅ 따름이다 sounds formal and restrained; -다 뿐이지 usually sets up a contrast.
🧵 Bottom line: -다 뿐이지 is your “yes, but don’t exaggerate that fact” grammar. It lets you limit one fact and pivot to the real point with style. 🎯
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the best 뿐이지 chunk. Say the Korean line aloud, then check the Answer toggle.
1. 가방이 ____ 튼튼해요.
[ga-bang-i ____ teun-teun-hae-yo]
The bag is only small; it’s sturdy. 👜
Answer
작다 뿐이지 — 작다 is the plain descriptive form, then 뿐이지 limits that fact.
2. 회의에서 의견을 ____ 결정하지는 않았어요.
[hoe-ui-e-seo ui-gyeo-neul ____ gyeol-jeong-ha-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo]
I only stated an opinion at the meeting; I didn’t decide. 🗣️
Answer
말했다 뿐이지 — the speaking happened, so use the past statement 말했다.
3. 비가 ____ 행사는 잘 끝났어요.
[bi-ga ____ haeng-sa-neun jal kkeut-na-sseo-yo]
It only rained; the event ended well. ☔
Answer
왔다 뿐이지 — 비가 오다 means “it rains”; past plain is 왔다.
4. 목소리가 ____ 내용은 분명했어요.
[mok-so-ri-ga ____ nae-yong-eun bun-myeong-hae-sseo-yo]
The voice was only quiet; the content was clear. 🎙️
Answer
작았다 뿐이지 — because the voice was quiet in that situation, use past 작았다.
5. 모양만 ____ 기능은 같아요.
[mo-yang-man ____ gi-neung-eun ga-ta-yo]
Only the shape is different; the function is the same. 🔧
Answer
다르다 뿐이지 — 다르다 is the plain descriptive form.
6. 가격이 ____ 품질은 좋아요.
[ga-gyeo-gi ____ pum-ji-reun jo-a-yo]
The price is only high; the quality is good. 💳
Answer
높다 뿐이지 — the first fact is limited before the contrast.
7. 문자를 ____ 답을 받은 건 아니에요.
[mun-ja-reul ____ da-beul ba-deun geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only sent a text; I didn’t receive an answer. 📱
Answer
보냈다 뿐이지 — 보내다 → 보냈다 for a completed sending action.
8. 연습 ____ 실제 시험은 아니에요.
[yeon-seup ____ sil-je si-heo-meun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only practice; it’s not the real test. 📝
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — noun + 이다 creates the plain statement.
9. 자료를 ____ 발표를 준비하지는 않았어요.
[ja-ryo-reul ____ bal-pyo-reul jun-bi-ha-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo]
I only read the materials; I didn’t prepare the presentation. 📄
Answer
읽었다 뿐이지 — past action + 뿐이지.
10. 길이 ____ 안전해요.
[gi-ri ____ an-jeon-hae-yo]
The road is only narrow; it’s safe. 🛣️
Answer
좁다 뿐이지 — present descriptive plain form + 뿐이지.
Vocabulary Box
- 가방 → bag
- 작다 → to be small
- 튼튼하다 → to be sturdy
- 회의 → meeting
- 의견 → opinion
- 말하다 → to say
- 결정하다 → to decide
- 비 → rain
- 오다 → to come / to rain
- 행사 → event
- 끝나다 → to end
- 목소리 → voice
- 내용 → content
- 분명하다 → to be clear
- 모양 → shape
- 기능 → function
- 가격 → price
- 품질 → quality
- 문자 → text message
- 보내다 → to send
- 답 → answer
- 받다 → to receive
- 연습 → practice
- 실제 → real
- 시험 → test
- 자료 → materials
- 읽다 → to read
- 발표 → presentation
- 준비하다 → to prepare
- 길 → road
- 좁다 → to be narrow
- 안전하다 → to be safe
Tip 💡 The first half is true, but the second half tells the real point.
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below trains the contrast rhythm until 뿐이지 feels like a grammar trampoline. 🦘
🎯 Practice Hub — Ending: -다 뿐이지
Welcome to the “yes, but that’s not the whole story” zone. 🧵 You’ll practice limiting one fact, correcting an overreaction, and choosing the right contrast after 뿐이지 without turning every sentence into plain old “just.”
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence aloud.
📝 Instructions: Read the sentence, fill the blank with the correct plain-statement + 뿐이지 form, then say the full sentence aloud before opening the Answer toggle.
Exercise 1 — Adjective Contrast Builder 🎨
A. 셔츠가 ____ 깨끗해요.
[syeo-cheu-ga ____ kkae-kkeu-tae-yo]
The shirt is only old; it’s clean. 👕
Answer
낡다 뿐이지 — 낡다 is the plain descriptive form; the real point is that it is clean.
B. 문제가 ____ 답은 분명해요.
[mun-je-ga ____ da-beun bun-myeong-hae-yo]
The problem is only long; the answer is clear. 🧩
Answer
길다 뿐이지 — the length is limited as one fact; it does not make the answer unclear.
C. 방이 ____ 조용해요.
[bang-i ____ jo-yong-hae-yo]
The room is only small; it’s quiet. 🛏️
Answer
작다 뿐이지 — present descriptive plain form + 뿐이지.
D. 설명이 ____ 정확해요.
[seol-myeong-i ____ jeong-hwa-kae-yo]
The explanation is only short; it’s accurate. ✂️
Answer
짧다 뿐이지 — the explanation’s shortness is not the whole judgment.
E. 상자가 ____ 가벼워요.
[sang-ja-ga ____ ga-byeo-wo-yo]
The box is only big; it’s light. 📦
Answer
크다 뿐이지 — the contrast is size versus weight.
F. 차가 ____ 편해요.
[cha-ga ____ pyeo-nae-yo]
The car is only expensive; it’s comfortable. 🚗
Answer
비싸다 뿐이지 — the high price is limited before the positive point.
G. 소리가 ____ 위험하지는 않아요.
[so-ri-ga ____ wi-heom-ha-ji-neun a-na-yo]
The sound is only loud; it isn’t dangerous. 🔔
Answer
크다 뿐이지 — 소리가 크다 means “the sound is loud.”
H. 색이 ____ 디자인은 좋아요.
[sae-gi ____ di-ja-i-neun jo-a-yo]
Only the color is dark; the design is good. 🎨
Answer
어둡다 뿐이지 — 어둡다 keeps the plain form before 뿐이지.
I. 일정이 ____ 가능해요.
[il-jeong-i ____ ga-neung-hae-yo]
The schedule is only tight; it’s possible. 📅
Answer
빡빡하다 뿐이지 — a tight schedule is the limited fact; possibility is the real point.
J. 표현이 ____ 의미는 같아요.
[pyo-hyeo-ni ____ ui-mi-neun ga-ta-yo]
Only the expression is different; the meaning is the same. 🪞
Answer
다르다 뿐이지 — 다르다 is a descriptive verb, so use plain 다르다.
Vocabulary Box
- 셔츠 → shirt
- 낡다 → to be old/worn
- 깨끗하다 → to be clean
- 문제 → problem
- 길다 → to be long
- 답 → answer
- 분명하다 → to be clear
- 방 → room
- 작다 → to be small
- 조용하다 → to be quiet
- 설명 → explanation
- 짧다 → to be short
- 정확하다 → to be accurate
- 상자 → box
- 크다 → to be big / loud
- 가볍다 → to be light
- 차 → car
- 비싸다 → to be expensive
- 편하다 → to be comfortable
- 소리 → sound
- 위험하다 → to be dangerous
- 색 → color
- 어둡다 → to be dark
- 디자인 → design
- 일정 → schedule
- 빡빡하다 → to be tight
- 가능하다 → to be possible
- 표현 → expression
- 다르다 → to be different
- 의미 → meaning
- 같다 → to be the same
Tip 💡 With descriptive verbs, keep the plain dictionary-looking form before 뿐이지.
Exercise 2 — Past Action Limiter 🧾
A. 자료를 ____ 보고서를 쓴 건 아니에요.
[ja-ryo-reul ____ bo-go-seo-reul sseun geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only read the materials; I didn’t write the report. 📄
Answer
읽었다 뿐이지 — past action + 뿐이지; the writing did not happen.
B. 문자를 ____ 답을 받은 건 아니에요.
[mun-ja-reul ____ da-beul ba-deun geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only sent a text; I didn’t receive an answer. 📱
Answer
보냈다 뿐이지 — 보내다 becomes past 보냈다.
C. 질문을 ____ 항의한 건 아니에요.
[jil-mu-neul ____ hang-ui-han geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only asked a question; I didn’t complain. ❓
Answer
했다 뿐이지 — 질문을 하다 → 질문을 했다.
D. 사진을 ____ 올린 건 아니에요.
[sa-ji-neul ____ ol-lin geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only took a photo; I didn’t upload it. 📷
Answer
찍었다 뿐이지 — 사진을 찍다 means “to take a photo.”
E. 이름을 ____ 신청한 건 아니에요.
[i-reu-meul ____ sin-cheong-han geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only wrote my name; I didn’t apply. ✍️
Answer
썼다 뿐이지 — 쓰다 → 썼다.
F. 문을 ____ 들어간 건 아니에요.
[mu-neul ____ deu-reo-gan geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only opened the door; I didn’t go in. 🚪
Answer
열었다 뿐이지 — the opening happened; entering did not.
G. 약속을 ____ 확정한 건 아니에요.
[yak-so-geul ____ hwak-jeong-han geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only suggested an appointment; I didn’t confirm it. 📅
Answer
제안했다 뿐이지 — 제안하다 means “to suggest/propose.”
H. 계획을 ____ 실행한 건 아니에요.
[gye-hoe-geul ____ sil-haeng-han geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only made a plan; I didn’t carry it out. 🗺️
Answer
세웠다 뿐이지 — 계획을 세우다 means “to make/set up a plan.”
I. 소식을 ____ 확인한 건 아니에요.
[so-si-geul ____ hwa-gi-nan geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only heard the news; I didn’t confirm it. 📰
Answer
들었다 뿐이지 — hearing is limited; confirmation is denied.
J. 메모를 ____ 공유한 건 아니에요.
[me-mo-reul ____ gong-yu-han geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only wrote a memo; I didn’t share it. 🗒️
Answer
적었다 뿐이지 — 메모를 적다 means “to jot down a memo.”
Vocabulary Box
- 자료 → materials
- 읽다 → to read
- 보고서 → report
- 쓰다 → to write
- 문자 → text message
- 보내다 → to send
- 답 → answer
- 받다 → to receive
- 질문 → question
- 하다 → to do
- 항의하다 → to complain/protest
- 사진 → photo
- 찍다 → to take a photo
- 올리다 → to upload
- 이름 → name
- 신청하다 → to apply
- 문 → door
- 열다 → to open
- 들어가다 → to go in
- 약속 → appointment/promise
- 제안하다 → to suggest
- 확정하다 → to confirm/finalize
- 계획 → plan
- 세우다 → to set up/make
- 실행하다 → to carry out
- 소식 → news
- 듣다 → to hear
- 확인하다 → to confirm/check
- 메모 → memo
- 적다 → to jot down
- 공유하다 → to share
Tip 💡 For completed actions, use the past plain form: 했다/읽었다/보냈다 뿐이지.
Exercise 3 — Noun + 이다 뿐이지 🏷️
A. 연습 ____ 실제 시험은 아니에요.
[yeon-seup ____ sil-je si-heo-meun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only practice; it’s not the real test. 📝
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — noun + 이다 makes the plain statement.
B. 초안 ____ 최종본은 아니에요.
[cho-an ____ choe-jong-bo-neun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only a draft; it isn’t the final version. 📝
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — 초안이다 뿐이지 limits the label “draft.”
C. 예시 ____ 규칙은 아니에요.
[ye-si ____ gyu-chi-geun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only an example; it isn’t a rule. 💡
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — the noun 예시 needs 이다.
D. 농담 ____ 비난은 아니에요.
[nong-dam ____ bi-na-neun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only a joke; it isn’t criticism. 😄
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — the speaker limits the remark as a joke.
E. 소문 ____ 사실은 아니에요.
[so-mun ____ sa-si-reun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only a rumor; it isn’t fact. 🌫️
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — 소문이다 = it is a rumor.
F. 확인 ____ 승인은 아니에요.
[hwa-gin ____ seung-i-neun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only confirmation; it isn’t approval. ✅
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — the limited fact is “it is confirmation.”
G. 추천 ____ 약속은 아니에요.
[chu-cheon ____ yak-so-geun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only a recommendation; it isn’t a promise. 📌
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — 추천 is treated as a noun here.
H. 예상 ____ 결과는 아니에요.
[ye-sang ____ gyeol-gwa-neun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only a prediction; it isn’t the result. 🔮
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — a prediction is not the same as a result.
I. 연락 ____ 초대는 아니에요.
[yeol-lak ____ cho-dae-neun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only contact; it isn’t an invitation. 📞
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — noun + 이다 뿐이지.
J. 메모 ____ 보고서는 아니에요.
[me-mo ____ bo-go-seo-neun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only a memo; it isn’t a report. 🗒️
Answer
이다 뿐이지 — the noun frame contrasts two labels.
Vocabulary Box
- 연습 → practice
- 실제 → real
- 시험 → test
- 아니다 → to not be
- 초안 → draft
- 최종본 → final version
- 예시 → example
- 규칙 → rule
- 농담 → joke
- 비난 → criticism
- 소문 → rumor
- 사실 → fact
- 확인 → confirmation
- 승인 → approval
- 추천 → recommendation
- 약속 → promise/appointment
- 예상 → prediction
- 결과 → result
- 연락 → contact
- 초대 → invitation
- 메모 → memo
- 보고서 → report
Tip 💡 Noun contrast loves the frame: N이다 뿐이지 N은 아니에요.
Exercise 4 — Choose the Real Point 🧭
A. 가격이 높다 뿐이지 ____.
[ga-gyeo-gi nop-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
The price is only high; the quality is good. 💳
Answer
품질은 좋아요 — the contrast should give the real positive point.
B. 목소리가 작았다 뿐이지 ____.
[mok-so-ri-ga ja-ga-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
The voice was only quiet; the content was clear. 🎙️
Answer
내용은 분명했어요 — the content, not the volume, is the real point.
C. 문자를 보냈다 뿐이지 ____.
[mun-ja-reul bo-naet-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
I only sent a text; I didn’t receive an answer. 📱
Answer
답을 받은 건 아니에요 — 뿐이지 limits sending, then denies receiving.
D. 연습이다 뿐이지 ____.
[yeon-seu-bi-da ppu-ni-ji ____]
It’s only practice; it’s not the real test. 📝
Answer
실제 시험은 아니에요 — the noun contrast is practice versus real test.
E. 길이 좁다 뿐이지 ____.
[gi-ri jop-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
The road is only narrow; it’s safe. 🛣️
Answer
안전해요 — narrowness does not mean danger here.
F. 질문을 했다 뿐이지 ____.
[jil-mu-neul haet-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
I only asked a question; I didn’t complain. ❓
Answer
항의한 건 아니에요 — asking is limited; complaining is denied.
G. 초안이다 뿐이지 ____.
[cho-a-ni-da ppu-ni-ji ____]
It’s only a draft; it isn’t the final version. 📝
Answer
최종본은 아니에요 — the contrast corrects the label.
H. 표현이 다르다 뿐이지 ____.
[pyo-hyeo-ni da-reu-da ppu-ni-ji ____]
Only the expression is different; the meaning is the same. 🪞
Answer
의미는 같아요 — surface wording differs; meaning stays the same.
I. 소식은 들었다 뿐이지 ____.
[so-si-geun deu-reot-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
I only heard the news; I didn’t confirm it. 📰
Answer
확인한 건 아니에요 — hearing and confirming are different actions.
J. 일정이 빡빡하다 뿐이지 ____.
[il-jeong-i ppak-ppa-ka-da ppu-ni-ji ____]
The schedule is only tight; it’s possible. 📅
Answer
가능해요 — the sentence pivots from difficulty to possibility.
Vocabulary Box
- 가격 → price
- 높다 → to be high
- 품질 → quality
- 좋다 → to be good
- 목소리 → voice
- 작다 → to be small/quiet
- 내용 → content
- 분명하다 → to be clear
- 문자 → text message
- 보내다 → to send
- 답 → answer
- 받다 → to receive
- 연습 → practice
- 실제 → real
- 시험 → test
- 길 → road
- 좁다 → to be narrow
- 안전하다 → to be safe
- 질문 → question
- 하다 → to do
- 항의하다 → to complain/protest
- 초안 → draft
- 최종본 → final version
- 표현 → expression
- 다르다 → to be different
- 의미 → meaning
- 같다 → to be the same
- 소식 → news
- 듣다 → to hear
- 확인하다 → to confirm/check
- 일정 → schedule
- 빡빡하다 → to be tight
- 가능하다 → to be possible
Tip 💡 After 뿐이지, choose the sentence that corrects the possible misunderstanding.
Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️
A. Fix it: ❌ 늦었다뿐이지 문제는 없어요.
[neu-jeot-tta-ppu-ni-ji mun-je-neun eop-seo-yo]
It’s only late; there’s no problem. ⏰
Answer
✅ 늦었다 뿐이지 문제는 없어요. — space 뿐 in this construction.
B. Fix it: ❌ 자료를 읽다 뿐이지 보고서를 쓴 건 아니에요.
[ja-ryo-reul il-tta ppu-ni-ji bo-go-seo-reul sseun geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only read the materials; I didn’t write the report. 📄
Answer
✅ 자료를 읽었다 뿐이지 보고서를 쓴 건 아니에요. — use past 읽었다 because the reading already happened.
C. Fix it: ❌ 연습 뿐이지 실제 시험은 아니에요.
[yeon-seup ppu-ni-ji sil-je si-heo-meun a-ni-e-yo]
It’s only practice; it’s not the real test. 📝
Answer
✅ 연습이다 뿐이지 실제 시험은 아니에요. — for this sentence frame, noun + 이다 makes the plain statement.
D. Choose the better contrast: 비싸다 뿐이지 ____.
[bi-ssa-da ppu-ni-ji ____]
It’s only expensive; you use it for a long time. 💳
Answer
✅ 오래 써요 — 오래 쓰다 means “to use for a long time,” a natural positive contrast to price.
E. Choose the better form: 소식을 ____ 확인한 건 아니에요.
[so-si-geul ____ hwa-gi-nan geon a-ni-e-yo]
I only heard the news; I didn’t confirm it. 📰
Answer
✅ 들었다 뿐이지 — the first action happened, so use the past statement.
F. Fix it: ❌ 모양만 다를 뿐이지 기능은 같아요.
[mo-yang-man da-reul ppu-ni-ji gi-neung-eun ga-ta-yo]
Only the shape is different; the function is the same. 🔧
Answer
✅ 모양만 다르다 뿐이지 기능은 같아요. — for this target construction, use the plain statement 다르다. 다를 뿐이지 is a related “only” form, but it is not the -다 뿐이지 frame.
G. Choose the sentence that uses -다 뿐이지 correctly.
[choose the correct sentence]
Which one means “It’s only a rumor; it isn’t fact”? 🌫️
Answer
✅ 소문이다 뿐이지 사실은 아니에요. — noun + 이다 뿐이지 works here.
H. Fill it: 셔츠가 낡다 뿐이지 ____.
[syeo-cheu-ga nak-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
The shirt is only old; it’s clean. 👕
Answer
✅ 깨끗해요 — this contrast says the shirt is still usable/acceptable.
I. Choose the better explanation for -다 뿐이지.
[choose the better explanation]
What does this grammar do? 🧠
Answer
✅ It limits one fact and then contrasts it with the speaker’s real point — “It’s only that..., but...”
J. Final boss: 문을 열었다 뿐이지 ____.
[mu-neul yeo-reot-tta ppu-ni-ji ____]
I only opened the door; I didn’t go in. 🚪
Answer
✅ 들어간 건 아니에요 — opening the door is the limited action; entering is denied.
Vocabulary Box
- 늦다 → to be late
- 문제 → problem
- 없다 → to not exist / to not have
- 자료 → materials
- 읽다 → to read
- 보고서 → report
- 쓰다 → to write / to use
- 연습 → practice
- 실제 → real
- 시험 → test
- 비싸다 → to be expensive
- 오래 → for a long time
- 소식 → news
- 듣다 → to hear
- 확인하다 → to confirm/check
- 모양 → shape
- 다르다 → to be different
- 기능 → function
- 같다 → to be the same
- 소문 → rumor
- 사실 → fact
- 셔츠 → shirt
- 낡다 → to be old/worn
- 깨끗하다 → to be clean
- 문 → door
- 열다 → to open
- 들어가다 → to go in
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol checklist: spacing, tense, noun + 이다, and a real contrast after 뿐이지.
🎉 Nicely done — you can now use -다 뿐이지 to say “yes, that one fact is true, but here’s the real story.” Tiny grammar hinge, big contrast door. 🚪✨