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JLPT N2 Formal

〜yori hoka nai

Express that there is no other choice; 'have no choice but', 'cannot do anything but'.

"Have no other choice but X" - names the one remaining option explicitly.

Formation

Explanation

The ～よりほかない grammar point is used to express that there is no other choice or alternative in a given situation. It can be translated as 'have no choice but to...', 'nothing but...', or 'cannot do anything but...'.

Example sentences

  • Since the exam is near, there is no choice but to study.

    Shiken ga chikai node, benkyou suru yori hoka nai.

  • My cold is severe, so I have no choice but to go to bed early.

    Kaze ga hidoi node, hayaku neru yori hoka nai.

  • Since the bus isn't coming, I have no choice but to walk.

    Basu ga konai node, aruku yori hoka nai.

  • Since I have no money, I have no choice but to buy cheap things.

    Okane ga nai node, yasui mono o kau yori hoka nai.

Inevitable (Cannot Help But)