助詞N5

〜しか〜ない

only (with negative)

Structure

N + しか + V-ない

Explanation

Indicates limitation meaning "only". Emphasizes small quantity or narrow range. しか must pair with a negative, but the meaning is affirmative "only".

Examples

お金が100円しかありません。

I only have 100 yen.

私は日本語しか話せません。

I can only speak Japanese.

Note

Both しか〜ない and だけ mean "only". しか emphasizes scarcity; だけ is neutral. しか must be followed by negative.

Related Grammar

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