Japanese grammar
What does ～ないかぎり mean? Japanese grammar N2
～ないかぎり means unless…; as long as… hasn't (happened).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 動詞 ない形 + かぎり N でない + かぎり |
| Romaji | naikagiri |
| Meaning | unless…; as long as… hasn't (happened) |
Forming it
| Noun | 会員でない + かぎり |
|---|---|
| Verb | 謝らない + かぎり |
How to use it
States a necessary condition: if A does not happen, then B (usually negative/unlikely). More formal than 「なければ」.
- 「～ないかぎり」 = "unless A / as long as A hasn't happened, B (won't)…". A is the necessary condition for B to change.
- The second clause is usually negative or states something unlikely to happen without A.
- Equivalent to 「～なければ」 but more formal, emphasizing "as long as not yet".
Examples
本人が謝らないかぎり、許せない。
I can’t forgive him unless he himself apologizes.
会員でないかぎり、割引は受けられない。
You can’t get the discount unless you are a member.
Keep in mind
- Nouns use 「N でないかぎり」.
- The following clause is usually 「～ない／難しい／だめだ」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong謝るないかぎり、許さない。
As long as he hasn't apologized, I won't forgive him.
Correct謝らないかぎり、許さない。
Use the NEGATIVE FORM 「ない」 of the verb (謝らない) before 「かぎり」.
-
Wrong雨が降らないかぎり、中止する。
As long as it doesn't rain, it will be postponed.
Correct雨が降らないかぎり、中止しない。
The second clause of 「ないかぎり」 follows the same conditional logic (no rain means it will NOT be cancelled); it is not contradictory.
Exam tips
- 「ないかぎり」 = unless / as long as not yet; more formal than 「なければ」.