(이)나 indicates that the number or amount of something is much higher or more than expected, or it is at a level higher than what is generally considered normal. It corresponds to 'as many as' or 'no less than' in English. When added to words ending in a vowel, 나 is added, and when added to words ending in a consonant, 이나 is added.

Details

Comparison:

While the particle 밖에 indicates that a number or amount is less than expected or doesn't meet a general standard, (이)나 indicates that a number or amount is more than expected or exceeds a general standard. Depending on the perspective, a certain quantity can be viewed as either smaller or larger than expected, and thus 밖에 and (이)나 can be used to express such views.

물이 반밖에 없어요.

(The amount is less than expected.)

물이 반이나 있어요.

(The amount is more than expected.)

A: 우리는 아이가 네 명밖에 없어요.

(The number is not viewed as very many.)

B: 네 명이나 있어요? 저는 한 명인데요.

(The number is viewed as more than usual.)

댄: 이번 시험에서 80점이나 받았어요.

(Dane normally scores around 70, so, to him, 80 is a better than expected score.)

왕징: 이번 시험에서 80점밖에 못 받았어요.

(Wang Jing normally scores around 90, so to her 80 is a worse than expected score.)

Kimchi Reader

It expresses that the amount of something is much more than expected or higher than the standard.

Details

Usage

이나 is added before a counter ending in a consonant
나 is added before a counter that ends in a vowel

N(이)나 ②

Kimchi Reader

Usage