Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
The basic pattern
しか is followed by a negative predicate. Together, the pattern means “only” or “nothing but”. It often emphasizes small quantity, limited choice, or disappointment.
Target signal
百円しかありません。
I only have one hundred yen.
Notice how 〜ない shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- しか
- only; nothing but
- 百円
- one hundred yen
Compare in context
日曜日しか休みがありません。
I only have Sundays off.
Notice how 〜ない shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- 日曜日
- Sunday
- しか
- only; nothing but
Compare in context
これしか分かりません。
This is all I understand.
Notice how 〜ない shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- これ
- this
- しか
- only; nothing but
Section 2 of 3
Why it feels stronger than だけ
Compare 一人だけ来た and 一人しか来なかった. Both can mean “only one person came,” but しか〜ない often feels more restricted or emotionally marked.
Target signal
一人だけ来ました。
Only one person came.
Neutral statement of fact.
Vocabulary notes
- 来ました
- came
- した
- did
- だけ
- only; just
Preview
一人しか来ませんでした。
Only one person came.
Stronger sense of “just one”.
Vocabulary notes
- 来ません
- do not come
- でした
- was; were (polite)
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
Preview
水しか飲みません。
I drink only water.
Notice how 〜ない shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- みません
- do not watch; will not see
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- しか
- only; nothing but
Section 3 of 3
Reading clue: the negative predicate matters
When you see しか, look ahead for the negative predicate. Without the negative ending, the pattern is incomplete.
Target signal
千円しか持っていないので、今日は買えません。
I only have one thousand yen, so I cannot buy it today.
Notice how 〜ない shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- 持って
- holding and
- しか
- only; nothing but
Preview
駅まで行くには、バスしかありません。
To get to the station, there is only the bus.
Notice how 〜ない shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- しか
- only; nothing but
- バス
- bus
Preview
この店では現金しか使えません。
At this store, only cash can be used.
Notice how 〜ない shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- この
- this
- しか
- only; nothing but