JLPT N4

しか～ない

Only ~, Nothing but ~

Structure

Noun + しか + Verb (negative form)

How it works

This grammar pattern emphasizes that nothing else exists or is possible apart from what is mentioned, creating a strong sense of limitation or exclusivity.

Examples

私は日本語しか話せません。

I can only speak Japanese.

Common mistakes

Forgetting the negative verb form after しか, which leads to incorrect meaning.

Tip

Always remember the negative verb form after しか, even though the meaning is 'only'.

More JLPT N4 grammar

ようにするようになるそうだ (appearance)そうだ (hearsay)ようだらしいかもしれないてしまう

See しか～ない in real Japanese

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