Japanese grammar
What does ～限る mean? Japanese grammar N3
～限る means ~ is best; nothing beats ~; limited to ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N／Vる + に限る |
| Romaji | kagiru |
| Meaning | ~ is best; nothing beats ~; limited to ~ |
Forming it
| Connection | N／Vる + に限る |
|---|
How to use it
Two meanings: (a) "nothing beats…" (a subjective evaluation); (b) "limited to…" (an objective rule).
- Meaning (a) SUBJECTIVE: 「疲れたときは早く寝るに限る」 = when tired, nothing beats going to bed early. It's the speaker's opinion.
- Meaning (b) RULE: 「この割引は学生に限ります」 = this discount is limited to students. It's an objective restriction.
- Distinguish by context: (a) often goes with a verb + advice; (b) often goes with a noun + a notice.
Examples
疲れたときは、早く寝るに限る。
When you are tired, nothing beats going to bed early.
この割引は学生に限ります。
This discount is limited to students.
Keep in mind
- Meaning (a) is a personal opinion, meaning (b) is a rule.
- Meaning (b) is common in notices/terms and conditions.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong疲れたときは、早く寝るを限る。
Correct疲れたときは、早く寝るに限る。
The pattern for "the best thing" uses に限る.
Exam tips
- 「に限る」 = (a) nothing beats… (opinion) / (b) limited to… (rule).