Meaning
This pattern expresses feelings or emotions that the speaker cannot tolerate or endure. It indicates an overwhelming state of mind. ~てしょうがない is more casual and conversational than ~てしかたがない. Both convey the sense that the emotion is uncontrollable and extreme.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词(て形) | しかた(が)ない／しょうがない |
| い形容词(…い→)くて | しかた(が)ない／しょうがない |
| な形容词 で | しかた(が)ない／しょうがない |
Examples
-
今回の全国サッカー大会で、私たちのチームはずっと勝ち続けたのに、最後試合で負けるなんて、本当に悔しくて仕方がない。
Even though our team kept winning throughout the national soccer tournament, the fact that we lost in the final match is truly frustrating beyond words. -
わたしは車が大好きでしょうがないので、車の展示会があると、必ず見に行きます。
I love cars so much that whenever there's a car exhibition, I definitely go to see it. -
昨日、バスで隣の人がわたしの足を踏んだのに、謝らなかった。本当にはらが立ってしょうがない。
Yesterday, the person next to me on the bus stepped on my foot but didn't apologize. I'm really angry beyond measure.
Summary
- Use with emotion/state words like 悔しい (frustrating), 悲しい (sad), 好き (love), 疲れる (tired), 腹が立つ (angry)
- When the subject is third person, add 「らしい」「そうだ」「ようだ」 at the end because this pattern expresses personal feelings
- ~てしょうがない is more colloquial and casual than ~てしかたがない; both convey an unbearable, overwhelming emotion