JLPT N2 grammar

〜ほかないmeaning and usage

Meaning

There are no other methods except for A

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)ほかない/ほかはない
  • verb (dictionary form)よりほかない

How it is used

There is nothing to do but A, said with resignation or resolve. Same meaning as 「〜しかない」, but more formal and written in tone.

Examples

  1. その機械の操作方法が分からなかったので、技師に頼むよりほかない。

    I didn't know how to operate that machine, so I have no choice but to ask the engineer.

  2. もう電車がないので、タクシーで帰るほかない。

    There are no more trains, so I have no choice but to take a taxi home.

  3. 誰も手伝ってくれないなら、自分でやるよりほかない。

    If nobody will help me, I'll just have to do it myself.