Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
The basic pattern
Use noun + + negative verb or adjective.
Start with the example
。
I only have one hundred yen.
Notice the variation
。
I only have Sundays off.
More detail: how to apply this
is followed by a negative predicate.
Together, the pattern means “only” or “nothing but”.
It often emphasizes small quantity, limited choice, or disappointment.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read and the negative as one exclusion pattern: the named item remains available while alternatives are excluded.
completes the required negative pattern. Together and the negative mean only cash can be used.
。
At this store, only cash can be used.
Read and the negative as one exclusion pattern: the named item remains available while alternatives are excluded.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I only have one hundred yen.
Vocabulary notes
- 百円
- one hundred yen
- しか
- only; nothing but
Compare in context
。
I only have Sundays off.
Vocabulary notes
- 日曜日
- Sunday
- しか
- only; nothing but
Compare in context
。
This is all I understand.
Vocabulary notes
- これ
- this
- しか
- only; nothing but
Section 2 of 4
Why it feels stronger than だけ
Why it feels stronger than
Start with the example
。
Only one person came.
Neutral statement of fact.
Notice the variation
。
Only one person came.
Stronger sense of “just one”.
More detail: how to apply this
Compare and .
Both can mean “only one person came,” but 〜 often feels more restricted or emotionally marked.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Only one person came.
Neutral statement of fact.
。
Only one person came.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Only one person came.
Showing Why it feels stronger than だけ: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Only one person came.
Neutral statement of fact.
Vocabulary notes
- だけ
- only; just
- 来ました
- came
Preview
。
Only one person came.
Stronger sense of “just one”.
Preview
。
I drink only water.
Vocabulary notes
- しか
- only; nothing but
Section 3 of 4
Reading clue: the negative predicate matters
Read and the negative as one exclusion pattern: the named item remains available while alternatives are excluded.
Reading clue: the negative predicate matters
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
limits the rule to this shop. Other shops may have different payment options.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When you see , look ahead for the negative predicate.
Without the negative ending, the pattern is incomplete.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I only have one thousand yen, so I cannot buy it today.
In this example, the message is: I only have one thousand yen, so I cannot buy it today.
、。
I only have one thousand yen, so I cannot buy it today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I only have one thousand yen, so I cannot buy it today.
Showing Reading clue: the negative predicate matters: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
I only have one thousand yen, so I cannot buy it today.
Vocabulary notes
- しか
- only; nothing but
Preview
、。
To get to the station, there is only the bus.
Vocabulary notes
- バス
- bus
- しか
- only; nothing but
Preview
。
At this store, only cash can be used.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- しか
- only; nothing but
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
... excludes alternatives, leaving one.
can occur with a positive predicate.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
... excludes alternatives, leaving one. can occur with a positive predicate.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Both limit the quantity to one, with しか requiring negation
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.