Meaning
This pattern expresses that even if someone does a specific action or is in a certain state, it will be futile or pointless. It's used when an action cannot change an already-determined situation or outcome. The pattern combines the te-form of verbs with しかた(が)ない or しょうがない, both meaning 'there's no way; it's pointless.'
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词（て形）も | しかた（が）ない/しょうがない |
| い形容词（…い）くても | しかた（が）ない/しょうがない |
| な形容词 | ても → しかた（が）ない/しょうがない |
| 名词 | ても → しかた（が）ない/しょうがない |
Examples
-
もうトラブルになってしまったから、今後悔してもしかたがありません。きちんと対応しなければなりません。
Since the problem has already occurred, it's no use regretting now. We must deal with it properly. -
高橋社長が決めたことだから、私がしゃべってもしょうがないと思って、会議で何も言わなかった。
Since it was decided by President Takahashi, I thought it would be pointless to speak up, so I didn't say anything in the meeting. -
母：うちの子が1人で留学に行って大丈夫かな。 父：もう行くことが決まったのだから、心配してもしょうがない。あの子を信じて、応援してあげようよ。
Mother: I'm worried whether our child will be okay studying abroad alone. Father: Since the decision has already been made, there's no point in worrying. Let's trust him and support him.
Summary
- Use this pattern to express that an action or feeling cannot change an already-determined outcome
- Common in both te-form verbs and with adjectives/nouns using the ても pattern
- Both しかたがない and しょうがない convey the same meaning, with the latter being more casual/colloquial