The Particles のみ
The particle のみ is very similar to だけ. One of the main things to keep in mind is that it is not のに.
The Adverbial Particle のみ
のみ has fallen into more so literary usage due to the rise of だけ. のみ has four distinct usages.
- Limits something to a certain amount.
- のみだ shows that at that much, there is no other situation.
- のみか means “not just that”.
- のみならず means “not only”.
Examples
1. この村のみが水害に｛免れた・遭わなかった｝。
Only this village escaped the damages from the flood.
2. 神のみぞ知る。
Only God knows.
3. 我々はただ忍耐があるのみだ。
We only have perseverance.
4. 入場は招待者のみ可
Admission by invitation only
5. 老兵は死なずただ消え去るのみ。
Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.
6. 富士山はただ高いのみならず、美しいのです。
Mount Fuji is not just tall, but it is also beautiful.
7.剣術のみか世故にも長け
Not only know about fencing, but also know about worldly affairs.
From 池波正太郎
8a. この水族館には、深海魚のみならず、熱帯魚もいます。(A little old-fashioned)
8b. この水族館には、深海魚だけでなく、熱帯魚もいます。(More natural)
In this aquarium, there are not only deep-sea fish but also tropical fish.
Grammar Note: Using だけでなく is much more common because, again, のみ is very literary.
9. 緊急の場合にのみ連絡せよ。
Call me in only in the case of an emergency.
10. 水不足はいよいよ深刻だ。後はただ雨が降るのを待つのみだ。
The water shortage is really serious. The only thing to do is wait for it to rain.