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 |
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.
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.
Having come this far, I can only do my best until the end.
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.
だけ simply means 'only' without any nuance of resignation, while しかない implies that the sole option or amount is inadequate or forced.
ざるを得ない is a stronger, more formal way of saying one has no choice but to do something, whereas しかない sounds more casual and conversational.
Combination of the particle しか (only, nothing but) and the negative adjective ない (there is not). The expression literally means 'there is nothing but...', which developed into the idiomatic meanings of limitation and inevitability.