Japanese grammar
What does ～たらきりがない mean? Japanese grammar N1
～たらきりがない means there is no end to it if….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vたら + きりがない |
| Romaji | tarakiriganai |
| Meaning | there is no end to it if… |
Forming it
| Verb (count) | 数えたら + きりがない |
|---|---|
| Verb (start saying) | 言い出したら + きりがない |
How to use it
States that once A is started, there's no stopping point. Colloquial.
- 「～たらきりがない」 = once A is started, it never ends.
- Nearly synonymous with 「～ばきりがない」 (N1-188); the 「たら」 version is more colloquial.
- Often used with 数える・挙げる・言い出す・気にする.
Examples
彼の長所を数えたらきりがない。
If you start listing his good points, there’s no end to it.
細かいことを気にしたらきりがないよ。
If you fuss over every little thing, it never ends.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the た-form + ら.
- The following clause is fixed as 「きりがない」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong数えるたらきりがない。
Once you start counting, it never ends.
Correct数えたらきりがない。
Attaches to the た-form + ら (数えたら), not the dictionary form.
-
Wrong一度数えたらきりがなかった。
Once you start counting, it never ends.
Correct数えたらきりがない。
This pattern states a GENERAL truth (it's endless either way), usually in the present tense.
Exam tips
- 「たらきりがない」 = once started, it never ends; ≒「ばきりがない」 (the ば version is more formal).