not necessarily, not always

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates that something is not always true.

[Sentence plain form] + とは限らない

高いものが良いとは限らない。

Takai mono ga yoi to wa kagiranai.

Expensive things are not necessarily good.

努力すれば成功するとは限らない。

Doryoku sureba seikou suru to wa kagiranai.

Making effort doesn't necessarily mean success.

Common with assumptions and generalizations.

～てからでないと / ～てからでなければ

only after, not until

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Use to challenge assumptions.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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