Introduction
In Japanese, there are several ways to express the idea of “only.” Among them, the most common are だけ (dake), しか〜ない (shika~nai), and のみ (nomi). At first glance, these may look similar, but they carry different grammatical rules and nuances. Let us take a closer look at their differences in this article.
For example:
二時間だけ寝た。
Nijikan dake neta.
(I slept for only two hours.)
二時間しか寝てない。
Nijikan shika nete nai.
(I slept for only two hours.)
Both sentences mention “two hours,” but the nuance is different.
だけ Dake: A Neutral Limitation
The particle だけ (dake) limits the scope of what is being said. It can appear in both affirmative and negative sentences. It can attach to nouns, numbers, or verbs, and it can also combine with case particles such as に, で, or を.
Examples:
Affirmative examples
二時間だけ寝た。
Nijikan dake neta.
(I slept for only two hours.)
水だけ飲んだ。
Mizu dake nonda.
(I drank only water.)
彼にだけ話した。
Kare ni dake hanashita.
(I told only him.)
ここでだけ買える。
Koko de dake kaeru.
(It can be bought only here.)
Negative examples
勉強だけでは足りない。
Benkyō dake de wa tarinai.
(Studying alone is not enough.)
彼だけが悪いのではない。
Kare dake ga warui no de wa nai.
(It is not only his fault.)
The nuance of “dake” is usually neutral. It simply indicates limitation without necessarily expressing dissatisfaction or frustration. In some cases, it may even suggest that the limited amount is sufficient.
しか～ない Shika~nai: Limitation with a Sense of Insufficiency
The particle しか (shika) must always appear together with a negative verb form, such as ない or なかった. It cannot be used with an affirmative verb. The construction is “Noun + shika + negative verb.”
Examples:
二時間しか寝てない。
Nijikan shika nete nai.
(I slept for only two hours, and that was not enough.)
水しか飲まなかった。
Mizu shika nomanakatta.
(I drank nothing but water.)
彼しか来なかった。
Kare shika konakatta.
(Nobody came except him.)
Unlike “dake,” the nuance of “shika~nai” often includes dissatisfaction or limitation. The speaker feels that the amount or situation is insufficient compared to what was expected or desired.
Comparison Between Dake and Shika~nai
Although both indicate limitation, their nuance differs clearly.
二時間だけ寝た。
Nijikan dake neta.
(I slept for only two hours. Neutral statement.)
二時間しか寝てない。
Nijikan shika nete nai.
(I slept for only two hours, but it was not enough.)
りんごだけ食べた。
Ringo dake tabeta.
(I ate only apples. Neutral fact.)
りんごしか食べなかった。
Ringo shika tabenakatta.
(I ate only apples, but nothing else, and that was not enough.)
“dake” states a neutral limitation, while “shika~nai” emphasizes that everything else is excluded and the result feels insufficient.
Dake Shika~nai: Redundant but Stronger
Sometimes both particles appear together as だけしか〜ない.
机の上に本だけしかない。
Tsukue no ue ni hon dake shika nai.
(There is nothing on the desk but a book.)
This form is grammatically possible but redundant. It sounds stronger or emphatic, yet in most situations either “hon dake da” or “hon shika nai” is enough. Learners should be aware that “dake shika~nai” is not wrong, but it can sound wordy.
のみ Nomi: A Formal Alternative
The expression のみ (nomi) is close in meaning to “dake,” but it is more formal and typically used in written Japanese such as newspapers, contracts, and official announcements. Unlike “shika~nai,” it does not carry a nuance of dissatisfaction.
Examples:
会員のみ入場可。
Kaiin nomi nyūjō ka.
(Entry allowed for members only.)
本日のみ有効。
Honjitsu nomi yūkō.
(Valid only today.)
“Nomi” has a neutral, objective tone and is not usually used in everyday conversation. In casual speech, “dake” or “shika~nai” is more natural.
Common Mistakes for Learners
Many learners of Japanese struggle with these particles. Here are some typical mistakes.
■Using “shika” with an affirmative verb:
二時間しか寝た。
This is incorrect because “shika” must be followed by a negative verb.
The correct form is:
二時間しか寝てない。
Nijikan shika nete nai.
(I slept for only two hours, and that was not enough.)
■Confusing the nuance between “dake” and “shika~nai”:
- 二時間だけ寝た。 Neutral limitation.
- 二時間しか寝てない。 Limitation with insufficiency.
■Overusing “nomi” in casual conversation:
While grammatically correct, “nomi” sounds overly formal in daily speech.
Conversation Examples
A: 昨日どれくらい寝たの。
A: Kinō dore kurai neta no.
(How long did you sleep yesterday.)
B: 二時間だけ寝たよ。
B: Nijikan dake neta yo.
(I slept for only two hours.)
(Neutral statement.)
A: 元気なさそうだね。
A: Genki nasasō da ne.
(You don’t look well.)
B: うん、二時間しか寝てないんだ。
B: Un, nijikan shika nete nain da.
(Yeah, I slept for only two hours, and that was not enough.)
(Expression of dissatisfaction.)
Poster: 本日のみ有効。
Honjitsu nomi yūkō.
(This coupon is valid today only.)
(Formal written style.)
Final Thoughts
The particles だけ (dake), しか〜ない (shika~nai), and のみ (nomi) all express the idea of “only,” but they differ in grammar and nuance.
だけ: Neutral limitation. Usable in both affirmative and negative sentences.
しか〜ない: Always used with a negative verb. Expresses limitation plus insufficiency.
のみ: Formal and written style. Neutral and objective.
By understanding these distinctions, learners can choose the right expression for the right context and sound more natural in Japanese.