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Only; particularly for
Definition
The grammar pattern "N + に限り/に限って" is used to specify a limit or exception. It emphasizes that a certain condition or rule applies only under specific circumstances. に限り is often used for special rules or offers, while に限って implies 'particularly in this case' and may carry a negative nuance. This pattern is used to highlight an exception or a specific condition that sets it apart from other situations. It's essential to understand the nuances of に限り and に限って to use them correctly in context.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | N + に限り | 女性のお客様に限り |
| Noun | N + に限って | 急いでいる時に限って |
| Verb | Verb + に限り | デザートをサービスするに限り |
Examples
女性のお客様に限り、デザートをサービスいたします。
Josei no o kyaku-sama ni kagiri, desāto o sābisu itashimasu.
We will serve dessert only for female customers.
女性のお客様に限り: only for female customers
急いでいる時に限って、電車が遅れる。
Isogite iru toki ni kagiri, densha ga osoeru.
The train is delayed only when you are in a hurry.
急いでいる時に限って: particularly when you are in a hurry
欠席届は本日に限って受け付けます。
Kesshitsu-to wa honbi ni kagiri, uketsugeru.
We will only accept absence reports on the day of the absence.
欠席届は本日に限って: only on the day of the absence
この会社に限って、年末年始は休みます。
Kono kaisha ni kagiri, toshu-nen shi ni yasumu.
We will only take a break during the year-end and New Year's holidays at this company.
この会社に限って: particularly at this company
Context
This pattern is used to specify a limit or exception. に限り is often used for special rules or offers, while に限って implies 'particularly in this case' and may carry a negative nuance. It's essential to understand the nuances of に限り and に限って to use them correctly in context. This pattern is commonly used in formal writing and speaking.
Watch out
に限り emphasizes a specific condition, while に限らず emphasizes that something is not limited to a specific condition.
に限って implies a specific condition or exception, while 'only' is a more general term.
に限る emphasizes the best or most suitable option, while に限り emphasizes a specific condition or exception.
Strategy
When using に限り and に限って in the JLPT exam, pay close attention to the context and the nuances of each pattern. Make sure to understand the specific condition or exception being emphasized. Also, be careful not to confuse these patterns with other similar patterns.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows N ＋ に限り / に限って used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
女性のお客様に限り、デザートをサービスいたします。
Pattern used: に限り
'に限り' is the standard way to express 'only' for special offers or rules.
急いでいる時にに限って、電車が遅れる。
Pattern used: に限って
'に限って' is used for ironic timing or 'bad luck' situations.
欠席届は本日に限って受け付けます。
Pattern used: 限って
Indicates a strict deadline or specific exception limited to today.
Interactive
女性のお客様______、デザートをサービスいたします。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.