Translation guide
Expressing that a situation is hopeless, out of one's control, or that no action can change it. Japanese often uses set phrases or grammatical patterns rather than a direct translation.
Convey that a situation is beyond help and no action can improve it.
A very common phrase meaning 'it can't be helped' or 'there's nothing that can be done'. Used for situations that are truly hopeless.
Nothing can be done anymore.
There's nothing that can be done about this problem.
Literally 'there is no way to apply a remedy'. Stronger and more formal, often used for irreversible damage or terminal situations.
The illness is beyond help now.
Means 'there are no moves left to make'. Often used when all options have been exhausted.
There's nothing more we can do.
Express that a situation is unavoidable and must be accepted.
Indicate that the speaker has no power to change the situation.
Show that one has given up and accepted the situation.
仕方がない is used for minor, everyday situations where you just have to accept things. どうしようもない is stronger and implies a truly hopeless situation where all options are exhausted.
The train is late, but it can't be helped.
This computer is beyond help.
Do not translate 'nothing can be done' word-for-word as 何もできない. That means 'I can't do anything' (lack of ability), not 'the situation is hopeless'.
It can't be helped that he was late.
まあ、しょうがないね。
Well, nothing can be done about it.
Formal expression meaning 'unavoidable' or 'there is no choice'. Used in official contexts.
I will be absent due to unavoidable circumstances.