Only A; no more than A
- Only A; no more than A
- There's only A; Only A can be done; Only A (of many methods)
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プリンが一つしかない!もっと欲しいよ!
There's only one pudding! I wanted more!
12点
緊張しすぎて、オヤジギャグしか言えません。
I'm too nervous: all I can say are dad jokes.
19点
すみませんが、日本語の名刺しか持っていないんですけど。
Sorry, I only have a Japanese (-language) business card.
12点
ヨーロッパに一回しか行ったことがありません。
I've only been to Europe once.
25点
作文を一枚しか書きませんでした。
I've only written one page of the essay.
Getting the sentences
Construction
(Elements in parentheses are optional.)
Basic Examples:
一つしかない (there's only one)
Notes
This is used when the given amount is less than normal/average.
Related Expressions
Where this grammar is found
Genki II (2nd Edition): Chapter 14
Nihongo So-Matome N4 (日本語総まとめ): 第1週 2日目
新完全マスター文法 N4: 第2部 3課
JLPT N4 / Intermediate: Grammar for Jumble Quizzes
JLPT N3 / Intermediate: Only [A], no more than [A]
Nihongo So-Matome N4 (日本語総まとめ): 第1週 2日目
新完全マスター文法 N4: 第2部 3課
JLPT N4 / Intermediate: Grammar for Jumble Quizzes
JLPT N3 / Intermediate: Only [A], no more than [A]
User notes
24点
in contrast with だけ, this pattern confers regret for the small amount, whereas だけ is more neutral. For example, 1人しかパーティーに来なかった would show sadness that only one person showed up at the party, whereas 1人だけパーティーに来た shows no emotion.
11 years ago

There's only A; Only A can be done; Only A (of many methods)
- Only A; no more than A
- There's only A; Only A can be done; Only A (of many methods)
16点
思ったより早く着いたから店が開店するまで待つしかない。
As were arrived earlier than expected we now can only wait until the shop opens.
13点
彼女に騙されてしまったので別れるしかないです。
I was deceived by her, so there is nothing to do but go our separate ways.
14点
パソコンが壊れそうなので、この手紙は手で書くしかない。
The computer seems to be broken, so I have to write this letter by hand (that's all I can do).
2点
このままでは家賃を払えないし、この家を出て行くしかない。
I can't pay rent as things are, so all I can do is vacate this house.
4点
彼のことを好きになってしまったから告白するしかない。
I've fallen for him so I'm left with confessing to him.
9点
財布を忘れたから家に戻るしかない。
I forgot my wallet so I have no choice but to return home.
Getting the sentences
Construction
(Elements in parentheses are optional.)
Basic Examples:
我慢するしかない (no choice but to suck it up)
Related Expressions
Where this grammar is found
Nihongo So-Matome N3 (日本語総まとめ): 第4週 5日目
新完全マスター文法 N4: 第2部 3課
新完全マスター文法 N2: 23課・感想と言う・主張する
JLPT N1 / Advanced: Jumble Question Pack ①
新完全マスター文法 N4: 第2部 3課
新完全マスター文法 N2: 23課・感想と言う・主張する
JLPT N1 / Advanced: Jumble Question Pack ①
User notes
16点
used in a situation where the speaker has no choice but to do something and implies the speakers unwillingness to do it.
13 years ago
sod
- Level 1
Discussion about this grammar
Years Studied: 15
Studying: 新聞等
Level: 6,
好 : 4
Studying: 新聞等
0点
13 years ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
0点
13 years ago
Studying: N2, N1
Level: 1,
好 : 61
0点
13 years ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
0点
13 years ago

Years Studied: 3
Studying: JLPT N3 & JLPT 2級
Level: 1,
好 : 99
Studying: JLPT N3 & JLPT 2級
0点
12 years ago (Edited 12 years ago.)

Years Studied: 3
Studying: 2級, N2/N1
Level: 3,
好 : 95
Studying: 2級, N2/N1
0点
12 years ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
0点
12 years ago

Years Studied: 3
Studying: 2級, N2/N1
Level: 3,
好 : 95
Studying: 2級, N2/N1
0点
12 years ago

Years Studied: 3
Studying: JLPT N3
Level: 1,
好 : 286
Studying: JLPT N3
0点
10 years ago (Edited 10 years ago.)

Years Studied: N/A
Studying: Kanji Kentei
Level: 3,
好 : 638
Studying: Kanji Kentei
0点
10 years ago

Years Studied: 3
Studying: JLPT N3
Level: 1,
好 : 286
Studying: JLPT N3
1点
10 years ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
1点
10 years ago

Years Studied: Since 2010
Studying: JLPT N1
Level: 1,
好 : 216
Studying: JLPT N1
1点
9 years ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
0点
9 years ago

Years Studied: Since summer 2012
Studying: Grammar N5, Kanji N5-N3
Level: 1,
好 : 82
Studying: Grammar N5, Kanji N5-N3
0点
9 years ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
1点
9 years ago

Years Studied: Since April '18
Level: 25,
好 : 50
0点
4 years ago

Level: 823,
好 : 324
0点
4 years ago
Level: 1,
好 : 0
0点
3 years ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
0点
3 years ago

Years Studied: Many on and off
Studying: N2
Level: 657,
好 : 2,878
Studying: N2
0点
1 year ago

Site admin
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
Level: 110, 好 : 6,631
0点
1 year ago