Japanese grammar
What does ～しかない mean? Japanese grammar N3
～しかない means have no choice but to ~; only ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + しかない N + しかない |
| Romaji | shikanai |
| Meaning | have no choice but to ~; only ~ |
Forming it
| Noun | 一つ → 一つしかない |
|---|---|
| Verb | 待つ → 待つしかない |
How to use it
Two directions: (a) with a verb = the only option left (out of necessity); (b) with a noun = there is only this much.
- Direction (a): 「Vるしかない」 = no other choice left, have no choice but to... 「終電がないから、歩くしかない」. Always carries a reluctant nuance.
- Direction (b): 「Nしかない」 = there is only N (less than expected) — 「財布に千円しかない」. Here 「しか」 replaces the particle が／を entirely.
- Doesn't connect to adjectives: 「安いしかない」 is wrong. To say "it's only cheap", use 「安いだけだ」.
Examples
終電がないから、歩いて帰るしかない。
The last train is gone, so I have no choice but to walk home.
財布には千円しかない。
I only have a thousand yen in my wallet.
Keep in mind
- Only attaches to the dictionary form of a verb or to a noun.
- 「しか」 absorbs 「が／を」: 「水しか飲まない」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの店は安いしかない。
This shop only has cheapness going for it.
Correctこの店は安いだけだ。
「しかない」 doesn't connect to adjectives; "only has this..." uses 「だけだ」.
-
Wrong水をしか飲まない。
I only drink water.
Correct水しか飲まない。
「しか」 has already replaced 「を」; don't use both.
Exam tips
- 「Vるしかない」 = have no choice but to; 「Nしかない」 = there is only; doesn't connect to adjectives.