![(Alt Text: Joy stating a fact [Dake] vs. Joy complaining about lack [Shika])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ChatGPT-Image-Feb-15-2026-04_32_57-PM.png)
(Joy stating a fact [Dake] vs. Joy complaining about lack [Shika])
“I have only 10 minutes.” (Fact)
“I have nothing but 10 minutes.” (Not enough!)
In Japanese, だけ (Dake) is neutral, but しか (Shika) is full of emotion (usually negative). Also, the grammar rules are strict! Let’s master the difference with Joy and Ken.
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy and Ken are checking their wallets before lunch.
ランチに行きましょう！
(I have 1000 yen. [Fact] Let’s go to lunch!)
僕は100円 しか ありません！
水（みず）も買えません…。
(What!? I have “nothing but” 100 yen! [Not enough] I can’t even buy water…)
💡 Explanation
Neutral Fact vs. Negative Emotion.
Point 1: だけ (Dake) = Just / Only
Nuance: Fact / Limit
It simply states the limit. It can be positive or neutral.
Grammar: Used with Positive (+) or Negative (-) verbs.
- 1000円 だけ あります。
(I have 1000 yen. [Fact]) - あなた だけ 好きです。
(I like only you. [Positive])
Point 2: しか (Shika) = Nothing but…
Nuance: Not enough / Insufficient / Dissatisfaction
It emphasizes that the amount is too small or less than expected.
Grammar: MUST be followed by a Negative Verb (〜ない).
- 100円 しか ありません。
(I have nothing but 100 yen. [I want more!]) - 日曜日 しか 休みがない。
(I have a day off only on Sunday. [I’m busy!])
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Joy wants to say she only has 5 minutes.)
❌ Wrong: 時間（じかん）が 5分 しか あります。
(Grammar Error! You cannot use “Shika” with a positive verb “Arimasu”.)
✅ Right: 時間が 5分 しか ありません。
(Correct! “Shika” + “Arimasen” = It is insufficient.)
✅ Right: 時間が 5分 だけ あります。
(Correct! “Dake” + “Arimasu” = Simple fact.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
