as long as, to the extent, unless

Intermediate

25-30 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates a condition or limit.

[Verb dictionary/ない-form/Noun の] + 限り

生きている限り、希望を持ち続ける。

Ikite iru kagiri, kibou wo mochitsuzukeru.

As long as I am alive, I will continue to have hope.

私の知る限り、彼は正直な人だ。

Watashi no shiru kagiri, kare wa shoujiki na hito da.

As far as I know, he is an honest person.

Multiple meanings depending on context.

～得る/得ない

can/cannot, possible/impossible

～に限って

only when, particularly, just when

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Learn the different usages: condition, extent, exclusion.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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