What it means
しか～ない means “only” or “nothing but.” It marks the limited item, and the predicate must be negative. It often emphasizes that the amount or range is smaller than expected. The construction can be used in both familiar and polite sentences.
Usage note
しか～ない must be followed by a negative predicate, such as ない or ません. Do not confuse it with だけ, which also means “only” but does not require a negative predicate.
How to use it
NounしかVerb (ます-stem)ません
私は水しか飲みません。
I drink only water.
NounしかVerb negative stemない
私は水しか飲まない。
I drink only water.
Example sentences
冷蔵庫には卵が二つしかありません。
There are only two eggs in the refrigerator.
今日は三十分しか勉強しません。
Today, I will study for only thirty minutes.
この店では現金しか使えません。
Only cash can be used at this store.
図書館で借りられる本は一冊しかありません。
There is only one book that can be borrowed from the library.