仕方(しかた)

しかた
noun
way, method
1. way, method, manner of doing
The way or method of doing something. Often used with verbs to describe how something is done.
仕方(しかた)がない。
It can't be helped. / There's nothing that can be done.
Very common expression
食(た)べ方(かた)が分(わ)からない。
I don't know how to eat this.
この機械(きかい)の使(つか)い方(かた)を教(おし)えてください。
Please teach me how to use this machine.
使(つか)い方(かた) = way of using

仕方(しかた) means 'way of doing' and is often combined with verb stems.

COMMON PATTERN: [Verb stem] + 方(かた)

  • 使(つか)い方(かた): way of using
  • 読(よ)み方(かた): way of reading
  • 書(か)き方(かた): way of writing
  • 作(つく)り方(かた): way of making

KEY EXPRESSION:
仕方(しかた)がない / 仕方(しかた)ない: It can't be helped, there's no way around it. This is one of the most important Japanese expressions, reflecting acceptance of situations beyond one's control.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 方法(ほうほう): method (more formal)
  • やり方(かた): way of doing (casual)

Related Words

Synonym: 方法(ほうほう) (method (formal))
Synonym: やり方(かた) (way of doing (casual))
general
Added 2026.1.9 21:58 · Revised 2026.4.4 19:03
01500/01603_shikata