only ~, nothing but ~

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Emphasizes limitation or scarcity.

[Noun/Verb] + しか + [Negative verb]

100円しか持っていません。

Hyakuen shika motte imasen.

I only have 100 yen.

英語しか話せません。

Eigo shika hanasemasen.

I can only speak English.

Must always use negative form. Emphasizes "only" more strongly than だけ.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Stronger limitation feeling than だけ.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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