Word details

しょうがない

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

Dictionary

Entry

しょうがないしようがない仕様がない~い Adj.ExpressionUsually kanaFreq #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.

Character notes

Kanji in this Word

attend, doing, official, serve

5 strokesFrequency 439JLPT N3Grade 3

On

Kun

つか.える

Esq., way, manner, situation, polite suffix

14 strokesFrequency 493JLPT N2Grade 3

On

ヨウショウ

Kun

さまさん

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