〜しか〜ない
nothing but / only
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜しか〜ない.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜しか〜ない」 means "nothing but / only". Structure: Noun + しか + Negative. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1成功しか方法がありません。
せいこう しか ほうほう が ありません。
seikou shika houhou ga arimasen.
There is no way other than the success.
Everyday life
Example 2安心しか方法がありません。
あんしん しか ほうほう が ありません。
anshin shika houhou ga arimasen.
There is no way other than the relief.
Everyday life
Example 3原因しか方法がありません。
げんいん しか ほうほう が ありません。
gen'in shika houhou ga arimasen.
There is no way other than the cause.
Everyday life
Example 4能力しか方法がありません。
のうりょく しか ほうほう が ありません。
nouryoku shika houhou ga arimasen.
There is no way other than the ability.
Everyday life
Example 5態度しか方法がありません。
たいど しか ほうほう が ありません。
taido shika houhou ga arimasen.
There is no way other than the attitude.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
There is no way other than the success.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜しか〜ない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.