仕方がない [shikata ga nai] : it can’t be helped

May 21, 2020

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It is a phrase and means “it can't be helped”. It is used when you can’t avoid something to happen or can’t find a way to improve a situation. しょうがない [syou ga nai] is used in a spoken/informal language.

The train is delayed due to an accident near the station. It looks like I’m going to be late getting at the office, but I can't help it.
駅の近くで事故があって、電車が遅れている。会社に遅れそうだけど、仕方がない(orしょうがない)
I gained weight before I knew it. It's no use crying. I’m going on a diet!
いつの間にか、太った。泣いても仕方がない(orしょうがない)。ダイエットしよう!
Ken is worried about Leo.

  • Ken : You don’t look well. What’s wrong?
    元気ないね。どうしたの?
  • Leo : I really don't want to take the JLPT exam because I've been so busy with work that I haven't been able to learn Japanese.仕事が忙し過ぎて日本語を学べないから、JLPT試験を受けたくない。
  • Ken : I know how you feel, but you have no choice. You need it to get the promotion.
    気持ちは分かるけど、仕方がないよ(orしょうがないよ) 。昇進するのに必要なんだから。
Amy is talking to Meg about her boyfriend.

  • Amy : I decided to break up with my boyfriend.
    彼氏と別れることにした。
  • Meg : Why? What happened?
    なんで?何かあったの?
  • Amy : I found out he is cheating on me.
    彼が浮気している事が分かったの。
  • Meg : Are you sure? Why don’t you talk to him about this first?
    本当なの?まずは彼と話したら?
  • Amy : No, I don’t want to argue with him anymore.
    ううん。もうこれ以上喧嘩したくない。
  • Meg : I see. Are you okay?
    そっか。大丈夫?
  • Amy : I was pretty upset but it is what it is . I need to get over him.
    かなり落ち込んだけど、仕方がない(orしょうがない)よね 。彼の事は忘れなきゃ。

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