に限って
Meanings
- particularly when
- those who
- only when
About this pattern
Explanation
に限って is used to express a strong exception or contrast: something is unusually or especially true for a particular person, thing, or situation, often implying disappointment or surprise when the expected norm is violated. It can indicate that a negative event or an undesirable outcome is especially likely to occur to that specific subject, or that something is true only under that narrow condition. Common contexts include complaints about misfortune happening to a specific person, or stating that a particular circumstance is uniquely true for a certain group or person.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I never thought my own child would tell such a big lie.
On rainy days, the roads always get congested.
I can’t believe he would say something so rude, of all people.
I can’t imagine failing, especially me.
Keep studying
More N2 patterns
to be able to; can; possible to do
View detailsUnable to; Cannot; Cannot possibly
View detailsCan't help doing; Have no choice but to...
View detailsto not ~; un~; archaic negative form of ず used in literary Japanese
View detailsWith the intention of doing; Instead of...; Act as if or pretend; Believing that...; Thinking that...
View detailsanyhow; at any rate; in any case; I have no doubt that; probably
View details