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Formation: V-dictionary + しかない; N + でしかない (is nothing but N)

Says that only one course of action is left, often with resignation or with determination. It is neutral in register and common in speech and writing. The form N + でしかない means "is nothing more than N" and is close to 〜にすぎない. Compare 〜ざるを得ない, which is more formal and stresses acting against one's will, 〜よりほかない, a more formal version of しかない, and 〜を余儀なくされる, a written expression for being forced by circumstances.

Variants: 〜しかありません、〜しかなかった、〜でしかない、〜ほかない、〜よりほかない

Examples

• 終電を逃したので、タクシーで帰るしかない。
  I missed the last train, so I have no choice but to take a taxi home.
• 誰も助けてくれない以上、自分でやるしかない。
  Since nobody is going to help me, I'll just have to do it myself.
• そんな言い訳は、責任逃れでしかない。
  An excuse like that is nothing but a way of dodging responsibility.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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