しか～ない
Except X, nothing else
Xしか + verb ない form
しか is a particle that means “except X” it is used with the negative form to mean “Only X”.
It’s similar to だけ, but is only used with negative form verbs.
しか replaces を and fills in after other particles.
Examples
- 彼女にしか目がない – I don’t have eyes for anyone except her.
- パンダはバンブーしか食べない – Pandas don’t eat anything except bamboo.
- 彼女からしかもらっていない – I haven’t received (something) from anyone except her.
Comparison with だけ
- 先生しかできないことだ – It’s something no one can do except (the) teacher.
- 先生だけできないことだ – Only the teacher can’t do it.
- 先生しかできることだ ✖ – Except the teacher, it can be done ✖
- 先生だけできることだ – Only the teacher can do it.
See also だけ
Verb ＋ しかない
No choice but to…
Dictionary form verb + しかない
Verbs may also be しか+ない. This phrase has a meaning of “Except Verb, no (choice)”. Basically, its a way of saying you have no choice but to do something. It has a nuance of “reluctance”.
Examples
- 飲むしかない – (We) have no choice but to drink it.
- やるしかない – (We) have no choice but to do it.
- 金を稼ぐしかない (We) have no choice but to earn money.
- 行くしかない – (We) have no choice but to do.
- がんばるしかない – (I) have no choice but to try hard.
Although I used we above, I, he, she, etc. are of course still ok.