Shouganai e Shikatanai – The culture of acceptance of the Japanese

Have you heard of the Japanese words shouganai and shikatanai? Both are profound words that hold great importance in Japanese culture, and in this article, we will examine them in depth.

Before we talk about the depth of the words shouganai and shikatanai, let’s examine the literal meaning of both Japanese words and their ideograms. Then we will discuss the depth of the word in Japanese culture.

I’ll give a little hint and say that shoganai refers to resilience, the ability to deal with problems, adapt to changes, overcome obstacles, resist pressures, and adverse situations. If you want to skip the technical part of the article, just use the summary below:

The meaning of Shouganai

Shouganai [しょうがない] is a Japanese word that can be translated as “it can’t be helped” or “nothing can be done about it.” Its meaning also carries great depth in Japanese culture.

The ideogram used in the word shouganai is [仕様がない] where [仕] means to participate, do, and serve. The ideogram [様] means form, situation, manner, and style. Together, [仕様] means way, method, resource, and remedy.

In other words, shouganai conveys the idea that there are no ways, methods, resources, or solutions for the situation in question. It refers to something inevitable; there is no reason, in any way, nothing can be done.

Shoganai or Shouganai? – Both words are correct; the difference lies only in the romanization used. The letter “u” is an elongation of the letter “o“, but if we literally transcribe the hiragana, the correct form is shouganai, but it is read as shoganai.

まあ、しょうがない。次のを待とう。
Maa, shouganai. Tsugi no o matou.
Well, it's done, let's wait for the next one.

心配したってしょうがないよ。
Shinpai shitatte shōganai yo.
I can't help but worry.

新しい車が欲しくて しょう がない
Atarashii kuruma ga hoshikute shōganai
I can hardly wait for a new car.

The meaning of Shikatanai

Shikatanai is actually an abbreviated version of the expression “shikata ga nai” [仕方がない], where both mean the same thing and have a similar meaning to shouganai.

One of the differences lies in the ideograms used. Shikata is written with [仕方] where [仕] means to participate, do, and serve. The ideogram [方] also means direction, path, form, side, method, means;

The word shikata [仕方] means the way to do something or method. Shikatanai [仕方ない] is a less polite version that means “there’s no way to do something.” Remember that shikatanai is more formal than shoganai.

The ideogram [方] is used in various words to indicate the form or manner of something. For example, tabekata [食べ方] means the way to eat or how to eat. Another example is the word oyogikata [泳ぎ方] which means the way to swim.

Basically, shoganai and shikatanai are identical words, but they are different. It’s as if one is a way of doing and the other a manner of doing; both mean the same thing, but their differences are imperceptible.

働くより仕方ない。
Hataraku yori shikatanai
We have no other choice but to work.

従うよりほかしかたない
Shitagauyori hoka shikatanai
I had no choice but to obey.

彼は仕方ないやつだよ
Kare wa shikatanai yatsu dayo
This guy is impossible!

The importance of SHOGANAI in Japanese culture

Both words are very important in Japanese culture, especially shoganai. Besides its common use, the expression is used to describe the ability of the Japanese to remain strong and dignified in the face of tragedy or injustice.

This word can be compared to resilience. The culture of acceptance of shoganai helps the Japanese deal with shock, stress, and traumatic situations without going into emotional, psychological, and physical outbursts.

Shoganai involves a great culture of accepting things as they are happening, rather than sulking and complaining like many Brazilians do on social media, without taking any action to resolve the situation. This attitude only results in anger and stress.

Shoganai does not mean giving up easily on things, but simply accepting the impossible; if something has a solution, just go after it! In any case, the solution should be pursued modestly and not through sulking and lack of control.

Shoganai involves circumstances beyond one’s own control; it can be compared to the French expression “c’est la vie” which means that’s life or the English expression “let it be” which means let it be.

This word was widely used in situations during World War II due to concentration camps, nuclear bombs, and the occupation of the American army post-war. Not to mention the natural disasters that the Japanese endure, but rise up shortly after.

The Japanese words shikatanai and shoganai fit into various different situations with various meanings. This philosophical word also involves the impermanence of things, followed by acceptance.

The Japanese use shoganai not to lament, but to move forward. They know that some things are a waste of time (mottainai), which explains why the Japanese do not get very involved in their politics.

Once my friend asked a Japanese person if he was afraid of the tension with North Korea and its nuclear tests. He said, shoganai, what can I do? There’s no reason for me to worry about that; it’s better to focus on taking care of my family.

The Japanese prefer to think about the present rather than the past or a future that may not even happen. They prefer to move forward with their lives rather than lamenting or complaining about situations.

Variations of shoganai and shikatanai

Shoganai and shikatanai are not the only ways to express that something has no solution. There are variations of the words such as the already mentioned shikata ga nai [仕方がない]. Let’s see a list of words below and their meanings.

• Shou mo nai [しょうもない];
  • It is also an adjective that means boring, stupid, superficial, and useless;
• Dou shiyou mo nai [どうしようもない];
  • There is no hope, there is nothing I can do;
• Shaa nai [しゃあない] – Very informal;
• Itashikata nai [致し方ない] – Not common;
  • [致] means to do, exercise, cause, incur;
• Shouganainaa [しょうがないなあ] – In case they insist;
• Shikatanaku [仕方なく] – helpless, reluctant, last resort;
• Shikatanonai [仕方のない];
• Shikatanashini [仕方なしに] – helpless, reluctant;

What did you think of the meaning of the Japanese words shoganai and shikatanai? I hope you enjoyed the article; if you did, don’t forget to share and leave your comments.