Meaning
This grammar pattern expresses that there is no other way or option available, so one must do something regardless of willingness. It conveys the speaker's reluctance or resignation about the situation. It has the same meaning as しかない but sounds slightly more formal. The three variations are: 動詞辞書形 + ほか(は)ない, 動詞辞書形 + よりほか(は)ない, and ほかしかたがない.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词辞书形 | ほか(は)ない／よりほか(は)ない／ほかしかたがない |
Examples
-
台風のため、すべての飛行機は欠航になった。いつ運行再開するかわからないので、空港で待つよりほかない。
Due to the typhoon, all flights were cancelled. Since we don't know when services will resume, we have no choice but to wait at the airport. -
これだけ捜しても証拠が見つからないのだから、警察もあきらめるよりほかない。
Even after searching this thoroughly, no evidence has been found, so the police have no alternative but to give up. -
この研究「にはたくさんの時間とお金をかけてきたんだから、このままやっていくほかない。
Since this research has already consumed so much time and money, there is nothing to do but continue with it.
Summary
- Expresses having no alternative or option available despite potential reluctance
- Slightly more formal than しかない with three acceptable variation patterns
- Conveys resigned necessity when circumstances leave no other possibility