Translation guide
Expresses exclusivity or limitation, meaning 'only' or 'nothing except'. The most common Japanese equivalent is だけ (dake), but other patterns like しか…ない (shika…nai) and ばかり (bakari) are used depending on nuance and sentence structure.
To express that something is limited to a particular thing, amount, or action, meaning 'only' or 'nothing but'.
To emphasize that there is absolutely nothing else, often in negative contexts.
Means 'nothing' or 'not anything'. Used with negative verbs to express complete absence.
冷蔵庫には何もない。
There is nothing but emptiness in the fridge. (lit. There is nothing in the fridge.)
だけ is a neutral 'only', while しか…ない emphasizes that the amount is less than expected or insufficient. しか…ない always requires a negative verb form.
Do not translate 'nothing but' word-for-word as 何もないが (nani mo nai ga) or 無だけ (mu dake). Use the patterns above.
彼はただ笑うだけだった。
He did nothing but laugh.
A construction meaning 'nothing but' or 'only', but with a negative verb. It emphasizes scarcity or insufficiency more than だけ. しか replaces particles like が or を.
水しかありません。
There is nothing but water.
彼は笑うしかなかった。
He could do nothing but laugh.
Means 'nothing but' or 'only', often implying an excessive or exclusive focus on one thing. Can carry a negative nuance of 'always doing nothing but...'.
彼は文句ばかり言っている。
He does nothing but complain.
甘いものばかり食べている。
I eat nothing but sweets.
A formal expression meaning 'nothing more than' or 'merely'. Used to downplay something. Often found in written or formal speech.
それはただの噂にすぎない。
That is nothing but a rumor.
Means 'not at all' or 'absolutely nothing'. Used for strong emphasis.
彼はまったく興味がない。
He has nothing but disinterest. (lit. He has absolutely no interest.)