Difference between -しか(shika) and －だけ(dake)
―しか(shika):
This is used with negative word such as “nai” or “arimasen”. It implies that the speaker’s feeling of not having enough.
Examples:
30 pun shika nai.
30 pun shika arimasen.
(There is only 30 minutes, sadly.)
―だけ(dake):
This word is used in affirmative sentences. This word implies that the speaker has a little more positive feeling even though it is not much.
Examples:
30 pun dake aru.
30 pun dake arimasu.
（There is 30 minutes even though it is not much.)
Also, －だけ can be followed by “ga” or “wa”, (subject marker or topic marker).
Examples:
Watashi dakega shitteimasu. (Only I know it.)
Nihongo dakewa benkyou shimasu. (I study Japanese at least.)
