～しかない JLPT N3 Neutral
〜shika nai
Express the idea of 'only', 'no other option but', 'nothing else but'.
"No other option but" - emphasizes lack of alternatives, not just restriction.
Formation
Verb-casual + しかない, い-Adjective + しかない, な-Adjective + しかない, Noun + しかない
Explanation
The ～しかない grammar point is used to emphasize that there are no other options or possibilities, and the subject must follow a specified action or state. It can be translated as 'only', 'no other option but', or 'nothing else but' in English.
Example sentences
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There is only one way to solve this problem.
Kono mondai wo kaiketsu suru houhou wa hitotsu shika nai.
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If he leaves, there's nothing else to do but cry.
Kare ga dete ittara, naku shika nai.
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She has only one month left.
Kanojo ni wa ato ichigatsu shika nai.
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I have no choice but to trust you.
Boku ni wa kimi wo shinjiru shika nai.