JLPT N5Grammar
～しか～ない
only ~, nothing but ~
Beginner
10-15 min
common
Expert Reviewed
Explanation
Emphasizes limitation. Must be used with negative form.
Formation
[Quantity/Item] + しか + [Negative verb]
Examples
100円しかありません。
Hyaku-en shika arimasen.
I only have 100 yen.
日本語しか話せません。
Nihongo shika hanasemasen.
I can only speak Japanese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
MUST use negative form with しか.
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