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Meaning of 仕方ない(しかたない) in Japanese

Japanese word definition and usage

Reading and JLPT level 仕方ない, 仕方無い

Kana Reading しかたない

Romaji shikatanai

Parts of speech

adjective (keiyoushi)

Meaning

it can't be helped; it's inevitable; it's no use; can't stand it; impatient; annoyed

Example Sentences

仕方ない, 仕方無い, しかたない used in context

え？トナーが切れてるんですか？仕方ない(しかたない)ですね。加藤さん、すみませんが職員室(しょくいんしつ)に取り(とる)に行って(いく)下さい(ください)。

Eh? Have we run out of toner? Oh well, sorry, but can you go the staff-room and get some, Katou?
彼(あれ)の電話(でんわ)番号(ばんごう)はよく知らない(しる)。番号(ばんごう)帳でしらべて(しらべる)くれるより仕方ない(しかたない)。

I'm not sure what his number is. You'll have to look it up in the telephone directory.
働く(はたらく)より仕方ない(しかたない)。

We have no alternative but to work.
息子(むすこ)は仕方なく(しかたない)両親(りょうしん)の希望(きぼう)に従った(したがう)。

The son acquiesced in his parents' wishes.
暑くて(あつい)仕方ない(しかたない)。

It's too hot.
従う(したがう)よりほかしかたない。

There is nothing for it but to obey.

Popular Study Lists

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Related Kanji

Kanji found in this word

仕 JLPT 4

attend, doing, official, serve

On: シ, ジ

Kun: つか.える

5 strokes

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無 JLPT 2

nothingness, none, ain't, nothing, nil, not

On: ム, ブ

Kun: な.い

12 strokes

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方 JLPT 4

direction, person, alternative

On: ホウ

Kun: かた, -かた, -がた

4 strokes

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