Particle⑦ – “ほど(hodo)”, “だけ(dake)” and “しか(shika)”

Hi, Leo Sensei dayo!

Let’s study particle “ほど(hodo)”, “だけ(dake)” and “しか(shika)” in this session.

These are particles which add emphasis on nouns in the sentence.

“ほど(hodo)”

Extent

The particle “ほど(hodo)” shows extent of thing or object for comparison. It is equivalent to “as ～ as ” in English.

Ex a)

私(わたし)の英語(えいご)は彼(かれ)ほどうまくない。

（Watashi no eigo ha kare hodo umakunai）

“ほど(hodo)” shows kare is object for comparison. Usually, “ほど(hodo)” is used in negative sentence.This measn in English “My English is not as good as his English.”

“だけ(dake)”

Restriction and limitation

The particle “だけ(dake)” shows the preceeding word or phrase shows restriction or limitation. It is equivalent to “just ” or “only” in English.

Ex b)

いつも私(わたし)だけ残業(ざんぎょう)している。

（Itsumo watashi dake zangyou shiteiru）

 “だけ(dake)” shows watashi is only person working overtime. This measn in English “Only I always work overtime.”

“しか(shika)”

Limitation

The particle “しか(shika)” shows the preceeding word or phrase shows restriction or limitation. Usually, “しか(shika)” is used in negative sentence. It is equivalent to “only” in English.

Ex c)

まだ私(わたし)しか待(ま)ち合(あ)わせ場所(ばしょ)に来(き)ていなかった。

（Mada watashi shika machiawase basyo ni kite inakatta）

“しか(shika)” shows only watashi was at the appointed place.  In English this means “Only me was at the appointed place.”(No one except me came at the appointed place)

Points

“ほど(hodo)” is used for Extent.

“だけ(dake)” is used for Restriction and limitation.

“しか(shika)” is used for Limitation.

These particles are less important compared with other particles. However, it’s useful if you add emphasis or clear explanation.

So much for this session!