(しよう)

しよう
noun
way, method; specifications
1. way, method, means
A way or method of doing something.
There's nothing we can do about it, so let's give up.
[Note: 仕様(しよう)がない is a common expression meaning 'can't be helped']
どうしようもないことだ。
It's something that can't be helped.
こんなに(こわ)れたら(なお)しようがない。
If it's this broken, there's no way to fix it.
2. specifications
Detailed description of requirements, dimensions, or features (technical).
Please check the specifications of this product.
We'll proceed with development according to the specifications document.
仕様(しよう)変更(へんこう)するには時間(じかん)がかかる。
It takes time to change the specifications.

仕様(しよう) has two main uses:

1. WAY/METHOD:

  • 仕様(しよう)がない: it can't be helped, there's no way
  • どうしようもない: there's nothing to be done (related expression)

2. SPECIFICATIONS (technical):

  • 仕様(しよう)(しょ): specification document, specs
  • 製品(せいひん)仕様(しよう): product specifications
  • 技術(ぎじゅつ)仕様(しよう): technical specifications

NOTE: This is a homophone with 私用(しよう) (personal use) and 使用(しよう) (use).

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