N258/217

限り

名詞 + の + 限り動詞普通形 / い-adjective + 限りな-adjective + な + 限り名詞 + 限り(で)/〜限り(は)

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

彼が元気な限り、私も頑張る。

As long as he is well, I’ll do my best too.

この本は私の知っている限り、正確だ。

As far as I know, this book is accurate.

雨が降らない限り、ピクニックをします。

Unless it rains, we’ll go on the picnic.

体力の限り働く。

Work to the limit of one’s physical strength.

私の知る限り、その情報は正しい。

As far as I know, that information is correct.