「〜てしまっても仕方ない」- Even if it happens, there's nothing to be done

Explanation

「〜てしまっても仕方ない」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express resignation to a situation that has already occurred. It is formed by the te-form of a verb followed by 「しまって」 and then 「も仕方ない」, indicating that even if something has happened, there is no other choice but to accept it. This expression conveys a sense of helplessness and the idea that the situation cannot be changed.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Verb te-form + しまっても仕方ない	Verb te-form + しまっても仕方ない	Expresses that even if something has happened, there is no choice but to accept it.

Basic Usage

「〜てしまっても仕方ない」 is often used to express a situation where something has already happened, and although it is regrettable, there is no other option but to accept it. This structure typically conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of reality.

Examples

• 今度こんどまた何なにかトラブルとらぶるを起おこしてしまっても仕方ない、謝あやまってゆくしかない。
• Kondo mata nanika toraburu o okoshite shimatte mo shikata nai, ayamatte yuku shika nai.
• Even if another trouble happens this time, there's nothing to be done but apologize.
  

• 雨あめが降ふってしまっても仕方ないから、今日は中止ちゅうしにしよう。
• Ame ga futte shimatte mo shikata nai kara, kyou wa chuushi ni shiyou.
• Even if it rains, there's nothing to be done, so let's cancel today.
  

• こんなにこんなに遅おそくなってしまっても仕方ない、交通こうつうが渋滞じゅうたいだった。
• Konna ni osoku natte shimatte mo shikata nai, koutsuu ga juutai datta.
• Even if it got this late, there's nothing to be done; the traffic was heavy.
  

• 地震じしんで電車でんしゃが止とまってしまっても仕方ない。
• Jishin de densha ga tomatte shimatte mo shikata nai.
• Even if the train stops due to an earthquake, there's nothing to be done.
  

Deep Dive

Grammar Structure

The basic structure of 「〜てしまっても仕方ない」 is the te-form of a verb followed by 「しまって」 and then 「も仕方ない」. The te-form indicates the completion of an action, 「しまう」 suggests that the action has been completed irreversibly, and 「も仕方ない」 conveys a sense of resigned acceptance.

Usage Scenarios

• Inevitable occurrences: When something undesirable has happened, and there is no way to change it, we can only accept it.
• Apologies and admitting mistakes: When apologizing or admitting a mistake, expressing a sense of helplessness.
• Force majeure situations: When faced with unavoidable circumstances, accepting reality is the only option.

Comparisons and Differences

Difference with 「〜てもしょうがない」

Both 「〜てもしょうがない」 and 「〜てしまっても仕方ない」 express that even if something happens, there is nothing to be done. However, 「〜てもしょうがない」 emphasizes the futility of the situation, while 「〜てしまっても仕方ない」 focuses on the feeling of resigned acceptance.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
〜てもしょうがない	Emphasizes the futility of the situation	彼かれは来こなくてもしょうがない。	It's no use even if he doesn't come.
〜てしまっても仕方ない	Focuses on resigned acceptance	彼かれが来こなくなってしまっても仕方ない。	Even if he doesn't come, there's nothing to be done.

Difference with 「〜てもどうにもならない」

「〜てもどうにもならない」 indicates that even if something is done, it won't make a difference, focusing more on the ineffectiveness of an action. In contrast, 「〜てしまっても仕方ない」 includes a sense of resigned acceptance of the situation.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
〜てもどうにもならない	Describes ineffective actions	頑張がんばってもどうにもならない。	Even if you try hard, it won't make a difference.
〜てしまっても仕方ない	Includes resigned acceptance	頑張がんばって失敗しっぱいしてしまっても仕方ない。	Even if you try hard and fail, there's nothing to be done.

Real-Life Scenarios

Dialogue Examples

• Dialogue 1:
  • A：またまたプロジェクトぷろじぇくとが遅おくれてしまった。
  • B：そうか、でももう仕方ないね。次つぎは気きをつけよう。
  • A：The project got delayed again.
  • B：I see, but there's nothing to be done now. Let's be careful next time.
    
• Dialogue 2:
  • A：旅行りょこうが中止ちゅうしになってしまっても仕方ないよね。
  • B：うん、台風たいふうだからね。
  • A：Even if the trip gets canceled, there's nothing to be done, right?
  • B：Yeah, because of the typhoon.

Summary

「〜てしまっても仕方ない」 is a grammatical structure used to express resignation and acceptance of reality, often used when describing situations that have already happened and cannot be changed. By understanding the usage and differences of this structure, you can more accurately convey feelings of helplessness and acceptance in Japanese conversations.