手がない · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 手がない | 手がなくない |
| Polite | 手がないです | 手がなくないですalso 手がなくありません |
| Past polite | 手がなかったです | 手がなくなかったですalso 手がなくありませんでした |
| Past | 手がなかった | 手がなくなかった |
| Te-form | 手がなくて | 手がなくなくて |
| Adverbial | 手がなく | |
| Conditional | 手がなければ | 手がなくなければ |
| Tara conditional | 手がなかったら | 手がなくなかったら |
understaffed; short-handed; not enough workers
Describes a situation where there are not enough people to do the work. Often used in business or event contexts.
We're short-handed today because a part-timer is off.
Even though it's a busy period, we're understaffed and struggling.
have no way to deal with; have no options; can't do anything about
Expresses that one has exhausted all possible means and there is nothing more one can do. Often used with a sense of resignation.
At this point, there's nothing more we can do.
I have no way to persuade him.
no reason not to; might as well; why not
Used after a negative verb form (〜ない) to mean 'there is no reason not to do something' or 'one can't afford not to'. Often carries a nuance of strong recommendation or inevitability.
There's no reason not to eat such delicious food.
Since he invited me, I can't afford not to go.