Log in

しょうがない

Meanings, readings, and example sentences for the Japanese word しょうがない

しょうがない
しようがない
仕様がない
Expression
～い Adj.
Usually kana
Freq #2038
1

there's no (other) way

Examples
彼の発言は他に解釈のしようがない。
His remarks allow of no other interpretation.
2

cannot be helped; unavoidable; inevitable; (there's) nothing one can do; having no choice; it is what it is

Examples
今回はあきらめな。しょうがないよ。
Give up on this one. You're wasting your time.
3

Oft. as 〜てもしょうがない

it's no use (doing); pointless; useless; no good; insufficient; not enough

Examples
空席があるのに立っていてもしょうがない。
There is no sense in standing when there are seats available.
4

hopeless (person); annoying; troublesome; awful

Examples
あの子はしょうがない子だ。
That child is impossible.
5

As 〜てしょうがない or 〜でしょうがない

cannot stand it; unbearable; cannot help (doing, feeling); dying (to do)

Examples
今日は、もうだるくてしょうがない。
I've had it for today. I'm too tired.

Kanji in this Word

仕
5 strokes
Frequency: 439
JLPT N3
Grade 3

Meanings

attend
doing
official
serve

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
シ
ジ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
つか.える
様
14 strokes
Frequency: 493
JLPT N2
Grade 3

Meanings

Esq.
way
manner
situation
polite suffix

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ヨウ
ショウ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
さま
さん
無
12 strokes
Frequency: 274
JLPT N2
Grade 4

Meanings

nothingness
none
ain't
nothing
nil
not

Readings

On — Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ム
ブ
Kun — Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
な.い
📝

Build your Vocabulary

Add words to your personal quiz list and master them using our spaced-repetition system. Practice makes perfect!

Start Word Quiz