限り
Meanings
The point or level beyond which something does not or cannot go; often used in phrases like 限りがある (there is a limit) or 限りなく (infinitely).
Resources are limited.
His greed knows no bounds.
The range or degree to which something applies; often used in the pattern ～の限り (to the extent of ...) or ～の限りではない (not within the scope of ...).
To the best of my knowledge, he is innocent.
This matter is not within my responsibility.
Used as a suffix to indicate the final moment or deadline; common in set expressions like 今日限り (today is the last day) or 今回限り (this time only, never again).
This shop will close for good after today.
This is a special price for this time only.
as long as; as far as; as much as
Follows a verb, adjective, or noun to express the extent or condition; often implies 'while the condition holds' or 'to the fullest extent'. Can be used adverbially.
As long as you are alive, there is hope.
I fought with all my might.
Follows a negative verb to mean 'unless ...'; often used in the pattern ～ない限り.
The game will be held unless it rains.
Unless you make an effort, there is no success.
(not) included in; (not) part of
Used in the negative pattern ～の限りではない to indicate something is outside a certain scope or category.
This matter is not within my authority.
Follows an adjective to emphasize a high degree of a state or feeling; often used in set phrases like 嬉しい限り (extremely happy) or 残念な限り (very regrettable).
I am extremely happy to meet you.
I am terribly sorry for the trouble.
noun, used as a suffix, noun, adverb
Suffix meaning 'only' or 'limited to'; attaches to time or quantity expressions, e.g., 今日限り (today only), 一回限り (one time only).
This chance comes only once.
This sale is for today only.
Archaic usage referring to the end of one's life or funeral rites; not used in modern everyday speech.
In old documents, 限り is sometimes used to mean death.
Usage patterns· 7
- 〈物〉には限りがあるthere is a limit to ~
There is a limit to a person's physical strength.
- 〈事〉の限りを尽くすto do something to the utmost extent
He fought with all his strength.
- 〈動詞〉限りas long as ~ (condition holds)
As long as I'm alive, I intend to keep making an effort.
- 〈動詞〉ない限りunless ~
Unless it rains, the match will be held.
- 〈事〉の限りではないnot included in ~; not applicable to ~
This rule does not apply to exceptions.
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- 〈時〉限りでending on ~; as of ~ only
This shop will close for good as of today.
- 〈形容詞〉限りだextremely ~ (emphasizing a feeling)
I'm extremely happy to have been helped so much.