しか (shika)

Meaning & usage

しか marks the only available option or an amount that feels small, and it always pairs with a negative verb even though the meaning is positive. It follows nouns and quantities directly, as in 水しかない or 一人しかいない, and follows a verb in the fixed pattern dictionary form + しかない to mean having no other choice. Unlike だけ, which states a limit neutrally, しか adds disappointment or emphasis that something is less than expected.

Example sentences 5

1. パンダは中国ちゅうごくにしかいません。

   Giant pandas live only in China.

2. ここには2・3日しかいませんよ。

   I'll be here just for a few days.

3. クラスに男子が一人しかいません。

   There is only one boy in the class.

4. しばらくは古いものでやっていくしかないですね。

   We'll have to make do with the old one for a while.

5. 2時間しかないんだ。

   I only have two hours.