Level 3

맨

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Usage of '맨'

The Korean word '맨' is used as an intensifier to emphasize the very first, very last, or the bare/empty state of something. It often appears before nouns to highlight extremity or purity, such as '맨 앞' (the very front), '맨 마지막' (the very last), or '맨손' (bare hands).

Common Collocations

  • 맨 앞: the very front, used to emphasize position
  • 맨 마지막: the very last, emphasizing the final order
  • 맨손: bare hands, emphasizing without tools or protection

Register and Usage Notes

'맨' is informal to neutral and commonly used in everyday speech. It adds emphasis and is often found in spoken Korean or casual writing. It is not a standalone word but a modifier.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '맨' with '맨날' (every day) or '맨몸' (bare body). Remember '맨' itself is an intensifier and must be followed by a noun. Avoid using it with verbs directly.

Understanding '맨' helps learners express extremity or purity in position or state, making descriptions more vivid and precise.

Example Sentences

그는 맨 앞에서 발표를 했다.

Geuneun maen apeseo balpyo reul haetda.

He gave the presentation right at the very front.

이 문제는 맨 마지막에 풀어야 한다.

I munjeneun maen majimak e pul eoya handa.

This problem should be solved at the very end.

그는 맨손으로 나무를 옮겼다.

Geuneun maenson euro namu reul omgyeotda.

He moved the tree with his bare hands.