限り
Meanings
- As long as
- While… is the case
- Limited to
About this pattern
Explanation
限り expresses conditions or limitations. It is used to say that something holds or is true only under a certain condition, or for the extent of something. When used with verbs and adjectives, it sets a scope: “as long as this condition remains, this happens.” It can also indicate limitation or boundary: “limited to …” and is often followed by a statement that follows from that condition. A closely related form ない限り means “unless.” In everyday speech, 限り is common in discussing ongoing conditions (as long as) or when stating the maximum extent of something. Typical nuance depends on whether you’re emphasizing that a situation continues while a condition holds, or that actions are restricted to a certain scope.
Learn in context
Example sentences
As long as he is well, I’ll do my best too.
As far as I know, this book is accurate.
Unless it rains, we’ll go on the picnic.
Work to the limit of one’s physical strength.
As far as I know, that information is correct.
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