Shikata Ga Nai carved in marble. Shikata ga nai (仕方がない), pronounced [ɕi̥kata ɡa naꜜi], is a Japanese language phrase meaning "it cannot be helped" or "nothing can be done about it". Shō ga nai (しょうがない), pronounced [ɕoː ɡa naꜜi] is an alternative. Cultural associations[edit] It has been used to describe the ability of the Japanese people to maintain dignity in the face of an unavoidable tragedy or