～よりほかない
yori hoka nai
Have no choice but to
Formation 接続
Full formation notes
Dictionary-form verb + よりほかない/よりほかはない, meaning no alternative remains.
Explanation 説明
State that no alternative remains except the action mentioned. It often expresses reluctant acceptance of circumstances. It does not mean should not do something.
Examples 例文
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終電が終わったので、タクシーで帰るよりほかありません。
The last train has gone, so I have no choice but to take a taxi home.
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返事が来るまで、待つよりほかないです。
Until a reply comes, there is nothing to do but wait.
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データが消えてしまったので、最初から作り直すよりほかありません。
The data is gone, so we have no choice but to recreate it from scratch.
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道が通れないので、引き返すよりほかありません。
The road is impassable, so we have no choice but to turn back.
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間違いに気づいた以上、正直に説明するよりほかありません。
Now that I have noticed the mistake, I have no choice but to explain honestly.
How related patterns differ 比較
に限る can recommend the best option or state a restriction. せいぜい marks an estimated upper limit. べき concerns what should be done, よりほかない means no alternative remains, and わけにはいかない concerns duties or principles.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～よりほかない | Have no choice but to | 終電が終わったので、タクシーで帰るよりほかありません。 The last train has gone, so I have no choice but to take a taxi home. |
| ～せいぜい | At most; at best; to the extent possible | この箱に入る本は、せいぜい十冊です。 This box can hold ten books at most. |
| ～に限る | Nothing is better than; be limited to | 疲れた日は、早く寝るに限ります。 On a tiring day, nothing is better than going to bed early. |
| ～にすぎない | no more than; just; merely; only~ Emphasizes the low level of something in terms of quality or quantity | これは資料の一部にすぎない。 This is merely part of the documents. |
| ～べき/ べきではない | Should; ought to; should not | 分からないことは、早めに質問すべきです。 You should ask about things you do not understand early on. |
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