B1 noun Neutro #500 mais comum 2 min de leitura

〜しか

Indicates 'only' or 'nothing but' when used with a negative verb.

shika /ɕika/
Practice it

Use 'shika' with a negative verb to emphasize that there is nothing more than the mentioned amount.

Palavra em 30 segundos

  • Used with negative verbs to indicate limitation.
  • Expresses that something is less than expected.
  • Focuses on the lack of other options.
The particle 'しか' is always paired with a negative verb, creating a sense of 'only' or 'nothing but'. It highlights a limitation or exclusivity. For example, if you say '水しか飲みません' (mizu shika nomimasen), it means 'I only drink water,' emphasizing that you drink nothing else. This differs from 'だけ' (dake), which also means 'only' but can be used with both positive and negative verbs and doesn't carry the same strong nuance of restriction. 'しか' often implies a somewhat regretful or restrictive feeling, whereas 'だけ' is more neutral.
While both 'しか' and 'だけ' translate to 'only,' their grammatical usage and nuances differ significantly. 'だけ' can be used with both positive and negative verbs. For example, 'お茶だけ飲みます' (ocha dake nomimasu - I only drink tea) and 'お茶だけ飲みません' (ocha dake nomimasen - I don't only drink tea). In contrast, 'しか' strictly requires a negative verb. 'お茶しか飲みません' (ocha shika nomimasen - I only drink tea) is correct, but 'お茶しか飲みます' is grammatically incorrect. 'しか' often conveys a stronger sense of limitation or slight dissatisfaction.
You will frequently encounter 'しか' with common negative verb endings like ない (nai), ません (masen), and ぬ (nu - a more classical or literary negative form). It can attach to nouns, pronouns, and sometimes even clauses. For instance, 'これしかありません' (kore shika arimasen - I only have this) is a very common phrase. Pay attention to the particle preceding 'しか'; it often replaces particles like が (ga) or を (o), or follows particles like に (ni) or で (de) when expressing location or means. The pitch accent for 'しか' is typically flat, with no significant drop or rise.

Fun Fact

The usage of 'しか' with a negative verb is a distinctive feature of Japanese grammar that often puzzles learners initially, as its direct translation doesn't immediately imply the negative requirement.

Exemplos

1

彼{かれ}はビール{びーる}しか飲{の}まない。

Talking about someone's drinking habits.

He only drinks beer.

2

私{わたし}は英語{えいご}しか話{はな}せません。

Responding to a question about languages you can speak.

I can only speak English.

3

ここには一人{ひとり}しかいない。

Observing the number of people in a room.

There is only one person here.

4

この店{みせ}は現金{げんきん}しか使{つか}えない。

At a store that doesn't accept cards.

This shop can only use cash.

Colocações comuns

〜しか〜ない only ~ (with negative verb)
少ししか〜ない only a little ~ (with negative verb)
これしか〜ない only this ~ (with negative verb)
それしか〜ない only that ~ (with negative verb)

Frases Comuns

それしかない

That's the only option.

自分にしかできない

Only I can do it.

これしかありません

This is all I have.

Frequentemente confundido com

〜しか vs だけ

Dake is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative sentences. Shika is strictly for negative sentences and adds a feeling of limitation.

〜しか vs のみ

Nomi is a formal version of dake. It is often used in written language or formal signs, whereas shika is used for emotional emphasis.

Padrões gramaticais

名詞 ＋ しか ＋ 否定形 数量詞 ＋ しか ＋ 否定形

How to Use It

Notas de uso

Shika is used when the speaker feels that the quantity or range is insufficient or limited. It is a powerful tool for expressing frustration or emphasis on exclusivity. Because it always requires a negative verb, it is inherently tied to a negative structure.

Erros comuns

The most common mistake is using 'shika' with a positive verb, such as 'shika aru'. Another mistake is using it when you want to express a positive feeling of 'only', where 'dake' would be more natural.

Tips

💡

Always pair with a negative verb

Remember that 'shika' is like a magnet for negative endings. If you don't use a negative verb, the sentence will be grammatically incorrect.

⚠️

Avoid using in positive contexts

Never use 'shika' to describe an abundance or a positive limitation. Use 'dake' instead to avoid sounding negative.

🌍

Expressing modesty and humility

In Japanese culture, using 'shika' can sometimes be a way to show modesty. It implies that what you have is humble compared to others.

Origem da palavra

From Old Japanese, possibly related to 'しかと' (shikato), meaning 'certainly, surely' or 'only in this way'. Its evolution towards an exclusive particle with negative verbs is a result of grammaticalization.

Contexto cultural

In Japanese, indirect communication is valued. Using 'shika' allows a speaker to express a lack of resources or options without being overly aggressive, often framing it as a statement of objective reality.

Dica de memorização

Think of 'shika' as 'Shhh... only this much!' and remember it always ends with a 'no' (negative).

Perguntas frequentes

4 perguntas

「だけ」は客観的な限定を表し、肯定文でも使えます。一方「しか」は必ず否定文とセットで使い、話し手の不足感や残念な気持ちを強調します。

いいえ、できません。「しか」は必ず後ろに「ない」などの否定形が必要です。肯定文で言いたい場合は「だけ」を使ってください。

はい、「名詞＋しか＋動詞の否定形」が基本です。名詞の部分には、時間、金額、人数など様々な要素が入ります。

はい、期待値よりも低いと感じる場合に使います。例えば、100万円あっても、1000万円必要だと思っている人なら「100万円しかない」と言えます。

Teste-se

fill blank

財布の中に100円___ありません。

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: しか

後ろに「ありません（否定）」があるため、「しか」が適切です。

multiple choice

どれが正しいですか？

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: 彼しか来ませんでした。

「しか」は否定形とセットで使う必要があるため、この文が正解です。

sentence building

（しか / 食べられ / ません / 野菜 / ）

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa: 野菜しか食べられません

名詞の後に「しか」を置き、最後に否定形の動詞を置くのが正しい語順です。

Pontuação: /3

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