〜しかない~ shika nai
Shika nai (〜しかない) means “have no choice but to”.
Popular products sell out quickly, so we have no choice but to line up early in the morning.
Attach 〜しかない to a dictionary-form verb to say that this is the only action or option left.
In the course
How it works
The description alone does not tell you how it tastes. To find out, the only way is to try it yourself.
Attach it to the dictionary form of a verb, as in 「並ぶしかない」: this is the only action left.
The polite form is 「しかありません」. It has the same meaning as 「しかない」.
Although it contains 「ない」, it does not mean you will not act. 「待つしかない」 means you can only wait.
In the tasting example, the speaker decides what to do next. They may feel excited about it; the pattern does not always express resignation.
Example sentences
- 人気ninkiのno商品shouhinはwaすぐsugu売りuri切れるkireruのnoで、de、朝asa早くhayaku並ぶ
In a conversation
- Aこの新しいお店、すごくにぎわっていますね。
A: This new shop is really bustling, isn't it?
- B本当に、行列ができるほど人気
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
Popular items sell out quickly, so we have no choice but to line up early in the morning.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
人気の商品はすぐ売り切れるので、朝早く____（丁寧に）。
Popular items sell out quickly, so I have no choice but to line up early in the morning.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜しかないhave no choice but to