only when, particularly, just when

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates something unexpected happening in a specific case.

[Noun] + に限って

傘を持っていない日に限って、雨が降る。

Kasa wo motte inai hi ni kagitte, ame ga furu.

It rains only on days when I do not have an umbrella.

彼に限ってそんなことはしない。

Kare ni kagitte sonna koto wa shinai.

He, of all people, would not do such a thing.

Often expresses frustration or surprise.

～限り

as long as, to the extent, unless

～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 ~

Use to express ironic situations.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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