Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
限界 (げんかい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 5,000 Meanings 1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
limit ; bound ; boundary
Refers to a physical, mental, or abstract limit beyond which something cannot go. Often used in expressions like 限界を超える (exceed the limit) or 限界に達する (reach the limit).
性せい
能のう
は
限げん
界かい
に
達たっ
し
て
いる
。
This machine's performance has reached its limit.
Kanji 限 limit, restrict, to best of ability Similar words 限げん 度ど 限度 is often used for a set or permissible limit (e.g., 限度額, 我慢の限度), while 限界 emphasizes an ultimate or natural boundary.
上じょう 限げん 上限 specifically means an upper limit or ceiling, often in numerical or regulatory contexts, whereas 限界 is a broader term for any kind of limit.
Etymology Compound of 限 (gen, 'limit') and 界 (kai, 'boundary'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination naturally conveys the meaning of a boundary or limit.
