しかない
Common word
しかない · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | しかない | しかなくない |
| Polite | しかないです | しかなくないですalso しかなくありません |
| Past polite | しかなかったです | しかなくなかったですalso しかなくありませんでした |
| Past | しかなかった | しかなくなかった |
| Te-form | しかなくて | しかなくなくて |
| Adverbial | しかなく | |
| Conditional | しかなければ | しかなくなければ |
| Tara conditional | しかなかったら | しかなくなかったら |
Meanings
1
have no choice but to ...; can only ...; there's nothing to do except ...
Follows a verb in the dictionary form or negative form, expressing that the only option is to do that action. Often conveys resignation or inevitability.
Since the last train is gone, I have no choice but to go home by taxi.
Having come this far, I can only do my best until the end.
2
there is only ...; have nothing but ...; no more than ...
Follows a noun or counter, indicating that the amount or thing mentioned is all there is, often with a nuance of insufficiency or limitation.
There is only one 100-yen coin in my wallet.
There are only a few vegetables in the fridge, so I have to go shopping.