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Definition
The grammar pattern "【名詞】+に限らず" is used to indicate that something applies not just to a specific group or instance, but to a wider range or everything in that category. It emphasizes the inclusivity and universality of the situation. For example, "この公園は、子供も大人も楽しめます." means "This park is enjoyable for both children and adults." It highlights that the park's enjoyment is not limited to children, but also extends to adults.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nominalized verb | 【名詞化した動詞】+に限らず | 食べる+に限らず |
| Adjective | 【形容詞】+に限らず | 大きい+に限らず |
| Noun | 【名詞】+に限らず | 学生+に限らず |
Examples
この公園は、子供も大人も楽しめます。
kono kōen wa, kodomo mo otona mo tanoshime masu.
This park is enjoyable for both children and adults.
この公園は:This park,子供も大人も:both children and adults,楽しめます:is enjoyable
最近は、女性も男性も化粧をするようになりました。
saikin wa, josei mo dansei mo kegai o suru you ni narimashita.
Recently, women also started wearing makeup.
最近は:Recently,女性も男性も:women also,化粧をするようになりました:started wearing makeup
平日に、週末も仕事があります。
hebigani ni, shūmatsu mo shigoto ga arimasu.
There is work even on weekdays.
平日に:on weekdays,週末も:even on weekends,仕事があります:there is work
この会社は、学生も会社員も受け入れています。
kono kaisha wa, gakusei mo kaishain mo uketsuke te imasu.
This company accepts both students and company employees.
この会社は:This company,学生も会社員も:both students and company employees,受け入れています:accepts
最近は、男性も女性も料理を手伝っています。
saikin wa, dansei mo josei mo ryōri o te o tsukatte imasu.
Recently, men also help with cooking.
最近は:Recently,男性も女性も:men also,料理を手伝っています:help with cooking
Context
This pattern is used to emphasize the inclusivity and universality of a situation. It is often used in formal or written Japanese. It can be used with nominalized verbs, adjectives, and nouns. It is not used to indicate a specific exception, but rather to highlight the general rule.
Watch out
The key difference between 'に限らず' and 'に限って' or 'に限り' is the direction of the implication. 'に限らず' implies that something applies to a wider range or everything, while 'に限って' or 'に限り' implies that something applies only to a specific group or instance.
Verbs in Japanese need to be nominalized before they can be used with 'に限らず'. This is because 'に限らず' is used to indicate a noun or a concept, not a verb.
The two patterns have different implications and are used in different contexts. 'に限らず' is used to emphasize the inclusivity and universality of a situation, while 'bakari de naku' is used to indicate specific additions or exceptions.
Strategy
When using 'に限らず' in the JLPT exam, make sure to nominalize the verb or use an adjective or noun. Also, be careful not to confuse it with 'に限って' or 'に限り', which have different implications.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 【名詞】+に限らず used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
この公園は、子供に限らず大人も楽しめます。
Pattern used: に限らず
Indicates that the enjoyment is not limited to children.
最近は、女性に限らず男性も化粧をするようになりました。
Pattern used: に限らず
'Ni kagairazu' is suitable here to show a broad trend affecting both groups.
平日に限らず、週末も仕事があります。
Pattern used: 限らず
Expresses that the work is not limited to weekdays.
Interactive
この公園は、子供______大人も楽しめます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.