しょうがない
shō ga nai[ɕo̞ː ɡa̠ na̠i]
In Japanese, "it can't be helped" is expressed as しょうがない (shō ga nai). Wiktionary also lists 仕方がない (shikata ga nai).
Meaning: it is inevitable (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| しょうがない | shō ga nai | [ɕo̞ː ɡa̠ na̠i] (narrow) |
| 仕方がない | shikata ga nai | [ɕi̥ka̠ta̠ ɡa̠ na̠i] (narrow) |
This phrase is used to express resignation or acceptance of an unavoidable situation or an outcome that cannot be changed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 仕方がない literally means "there is no way" or "there is no method".
Which one should you use?
While 仕方がない and しょうがない have the same meaning, しょうがない is a more colloquial and informal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something "couldn't be helped" in the past tense, change the ending to しょうがなかった. You can also add ね to the end of the phrase to create しょうがないですね, which makes it sound more empathetic or seeks agreement from the listener.
How do you pronounce it?
shō ga nai
Did you know?
- While しょうがない expresses resignation, it can be used sarcastically to describe someone's personality. Saying しょうがない人 (shōganai hito) describes a person who is hopelessly eccentric or clumsy in an endearing way.
- In Japanese corporate culture, the phrase is sometimes used to subtly signal that a mistake was caused by systemic issues rather than individual failure. This allows a colleague to save face by framing the error as something that 仕方がない.
- The phrase しょうがない is often linked to the Japanese cultural concept of 'shikata ga nai', a mindset of stoic resignation that values harmony and acceptance over fighting against destiny.
Examples in context
- 仕方がないよ。It can't be helped.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 仕方がない.Tatoeba #169010 by mookeee, translation #38612 by CK
- 私たちの計画は台風のために延期しなくてはならない。仕方ありません。Our plans must be postponed due to the typhoon. It can't be helped.
- この問題はもう解決策がないんだ。どうしようもありません。There is no solution to this problem anymore. It can't be helped.
- 友達が急にキャンセルしたの？しょうがないね。Your friend canceled abruptly? It can't be helped.
- 電車が遅れて試験に遅刻しちゃった。どうしようもないよ。The train was late, and I ended up being late for the exam. It can't be helped.
- 雨が降ってきたから、中止はしょうがない。Ame ga futte kita kara, chuushi wa shouganai.Since it started raining, the cancellation can't be helped.
- 試験に落ちたのは、しょうがないよ。Shiken ni ochita no wa, shouganai yo.Failing the exam can't be helped.
Example conversation
Misaki and Youta are talking about a cancelled outdoor event due to bad weather.
- 美咲 Misakiイベントが中止になったね。Ibento ga chuushi ni natta ne.The event was cancelled, wasn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaこの天気じゃ、しょうがないね。Kono tenki ja, shouganai ne.With this weather, it can't be helped.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太君の言う通りだね。Youta-kun no iu toori da ne.It's just as you say, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota次は晴れるといいな。Tsugi wa hareru to ii na.I hope it's sunny next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “it can't be helped” translations and entries しょうがない, 仕方がない, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
