Japanese grammar
What does ～にとどまらず mean? Japanese grammar N1
～にとどまらず means not limited to…; extending beyond….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + にとどまらず + ～も V普通形 + にとどまらず |
| Romaji | nitodomarazu |
| Meaning | not limited to…; extending beyond… |
Forming it
| Noun (field) | 音楽 + にとどまらず |
|---|---|
| Noun (scope) | 国内 + にとどまらず |
How to use it
States that a scope extends beyond A and spreads to B as well. Formal, literary.
- 「～にとどまらず」 = not stopping at scope A but also spreading to B. The second clause often has 「も」.
- A is usually a scope/field (国内・音楽・一部の地域); B is broader than A.
- More formal than 「だけでなく」; often used when describing a spreading influence.
Examples
この影響は国内にとどまらず、海外にも広がっている。
The impact is spreading beyond the country to overseas as well.
彼の活動は音楽にとどまらず、映画製作にも及んでいる。
His work extends beyond music into filmmaking.
Keep in mind
- B must be BROADER than A.
- The clause that follows usually includes 「も」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong海外にとどまらず、国内にも広がった。
Not stopping overseas, it also spread back to the country.
Correct国内にとどまらず、海外にも広がった。
A must be the NARROWER scope and B the broader one; reversing it breaks the "spreading" logic.
-
Wrong国内にとどまらずに、海外へ行った。
Instead of staying in the country, he went abroad.
Correct国内にとどまらず、海外にも広がった。
This pattern describes the SPREADING of a scope, not the act of physically moving.
Exam tips
- 「にとどまらず」 = not stopping at A, spreading to B (B is broader); the second clause has 「も」.