Noun しか～ない JLPT N4 Neutral
Noun shika~nai
Expresses 'only', 'nothing but', or 'no other'.
Paired with a negative verb for emphasis - "nothing but/only", stronger than だけ.
Formation
Noun + しか + Negative Verb
Explanation
The grammar point Noun しか～ない is used to emphasize the small quantity or exclusiveness of something. It can be translated as 'only', 'nothing but', or 'no other' in English. It is used with a negative verb to convey the meaning.
Example sentences
-
I eat only apples.
Watashi wa ringo shika tabenai.
-
There is no other way but to go by train.
Densha de iku shika nai desu.
-
He has only one book.
Kare wa isatsu no hon shika motte inai.
この店にはビールしかない。
There is nothing but beer in this store.
Kono mise ni wa biiru shika nai.