Japanese grammar
What does ～とは限らない mean? Japanese grammar N2
～とは限らない means is not necessarily…; isn't always….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + とは限らない N／な形 + （だ）+ とは限らない |
| Romaji | tohakagiranai |
| Meaning | is not necessarily…; isn't always… |
Forming it
| Noun | 本物 → 本物だとは限らない |
|---|---|
| Adjective | いい → いいとは限らない |
How to use it
Rebuts a preconception: what people commonly think is not always true. A PARTIAL negation.
- 「～とは限らない」 = not necessarily…: 「高い商品がいいとは限らない」.
- This is a partial negation — it still admits "there are cases where it's true." Often paired with 「必ずしも」 for emphasis.
- A noun can omit 「だ」: 「本物とは限らない」 is also fine, but with 「だ」 it is clearer.
Examples
値段が高い商品が必ずしもいいとは限らない。
Expensive products are not necessarily good.
日本人だからといって、敬語が正しく使えるとは限らない。
Being Japanese does not necessarily mean using keigo correctly.
Keep in mind
- A partial negation, not a complete negation.
- Often paired with 「必ずしも」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong高い商品はよくない。
Expensive things aren't necessarily good.
Correct高い商品がいいとは限らない。
This pattern only negates PARTIALLY; it doesn't flatly say something is bad.
-
Wrong明日は雨とは限らないでしょう。
It's not necessarily going to rain tomorrow.
Correct明日は雨とは限らない。
The pattern itself is already a judgment, so 「でしょう」 does not need to be added.
Exam tips
- 「とは限らない」 = not necessarily… (partial negation); often paired with 「必ずしも」.