しょうがない
Usually written in kana. Kanji spelling 仕様がない
there's no (other) way; cannot be helped; unavoidable; inevitable
Meanings
Expression, I-adjective
there's no (other) way- cannot be helped; unavoidable; inevitable; (there's) nothing one can do; having no choice; it is what it is
- it's no use (doing); pointless; useless; no good; insufficient; not enough
- hopeless (person); annoying; troublesome; awful
- cannot stand it; unbearable; cannot help (doing, feeling); dying (to do)
Forms
| Plain | Polite | |
|---|---|---|
| Present | しょうがない | しょうがないです |
| Negative | しょうがなくない | しょうがなくないです |
| Past | しょうがなかった | しょうがなかったです |
| Past negative | しょうがなくなかった | しょうがなくなかったです |
| Te-form | しょうがなくて |
|---|---|
| Conditional (ば) | しょうがなければ |
| Conditional (たら) | しょうがなかったら |
Example sentences
-
It's simply too cold today.
-
That child is impossible.
-
Boys will be boys.
-
His remarks allow of no other interpretation.
-
I've had it for today. I'm too tired.
More examples (10)
-
Give up on this one. You're wasting your time.
-
It isn't worthwhile going there.
-
I am dying for a cold drink.
-
It is no use crying over spilt milk.
-
There is no sense in standing when there are seats available.
-
She was impatient to leave the party.
-
The sight of him is hateful to me.
-
I got bit by mosquitoes all over this area, and it itches so badly I can't stand it.
-
I am so full of foolish ideas today.
彼は新しい自転車を友達に見せびらかしたくてしょうがなかった。
He was eager to show off his new bicycle to his friends.