しかない
Meanings
- have no choice but
- there is nothing but
- only ... is/are available
About this pattern
Explanation
しかない expresses that there is no other option besides what is stated. It conveys a sense of inevitability or resignation, emphasizing that the speaker must do or accept what follows. It is stronger and more decisive than other phrases like ~しか~ない. Use it in situations where alternatives do not exist or are unacceptable, such as having to take a specific action, relying on a single resource, or when circumstances force a particular outcome. Typical contexts include problems with no solution except one action, or circumstances that force a choice. It often denies alternatives by focusing on the only possible thing. Example nuances: The tone can be firm, urgent, or even slightly pessimistic depending on context.
Learn in context
Example sentences
There’s nothing I can do but take care of this problem.
There are no other options left. We have to do it.
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More N3 patterns
It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X
View detailsIt would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...
View detailsduring; while; throughout; in the process of
View detailswhile; during; between; in the period of
View detailsDuring the period of / while; Before something changes or happens; Within the time when ... happens
View detailsbefore it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...
View details