[JLPT grammar] Is there a difference between だけ and しか〜ない?
Today I am going to share the Q&A quoted from my JLPT N4 course!
[Student’s Question]
Sensei,
is there a difference between だけ and しか〜ない?
It seems both mean “only.”
I am wondering if they can be used interchangeably.
[My Reply]
The two meanings (situations) are the same, but the nuances are different.
〜だけ
クッキーが一つだけある。
There is only one cookie.
=You are just stating the fact that “there’s only one cookie.” There are no personal feelings or judgment.
〜しか(〜ない)
クッキーが一つしかない。
There is only one cookie.
=You are emphasizing how much cookie there isn’t and how small the amount is. In this case, it sounds like you are complaining that just one piece of a cookie is not enough.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean しか(〜ない) is always used in negative context to complain about something.
明日(あした)は授業(じゅぎょう)が1時間(じかん)しかない
Tomorrow I have only one hour of class.
=You are emphasizing how much less than usual. This may make you happy.
I hope my answer helps you.😊
In the JLPT course, you can ask me any questions as much as you want.
I will teach you until you get it!
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