N4140/179

しか～ない

Noun + しか + ないNumber/Amount + しか + ないTime expression + しか + ないVerb/Verb-phrase + しかない (with negative）」], explanation(

Meanings

There is only
There are only
Nothing but
Only

About this pattern

Explanation

Only + しか is used with a negative predicate to mean 'only' or 'nothing but'. The thing after しか is what is being limited; the verb or predicate is in its negative form. This structure emphasizes exclusivity and often carries a nuance of slight limitation or constraint.

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Example sentences

鉛筆が三本しかない。

There are only three pencils.

お金が四千円しかない。

I only have four thousand yen.

時間がなくて、今日はこれしか作れない。

There isn't enough time; I can only make this today.

私は日本語を三日しか勉強していない。

I have studied Japanese for only three days.

この本は難しくて、読めるのは一章しかない。

This book is difficult; I can only read one chapter.

Related patterns

Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)

easy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by

Difficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something

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More N4 patterns

Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)

easy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by

Difficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something

Gradually; Little by little; Step by step

more and more; rapidly; increasing quickly; progressively

We/They/You all (plural forms); These/Those (plural demonstratives); Plural suffix for certain pronouns and demonstratives