JLPT N2 Grammar – Difference between “〜に限って” and “〜に限り”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜に限って” and “〜に限り”
2. 〜に限って
3. 〜に限り
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similer Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “〜に限って” and “〜に限り”?
A: “〜に限って” expresses exceptions that occur only in specific situations, while “〜に限り” indicates restriction to certain conditions or targets. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Aに限ってB (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Indicates that something different from the usual happened in a specific time or with a specific person.
Emphasizes an unusual event
[Rule]
[N] Noun + に限って
[Examples]
雨の日に限って傘を忘れてしまうんです。
I always seem to forget my umbrella on rainy days.
せっかく来たのに、今日に限って定休日だなんて…。
Of all days, why does it have to be closed today when I finally came…?
仕事が忙しい日に限って、なぜかトラブルが起こります。
Trouble tends to happen precisely on the days when work is especially busy.
This pattern places a “specific person, time, or situation” in A, and in B it expresses “something that normally doesn’t happen” or “an undesirable event.”
B often carries the speaker’s feelings such as disappointment, dissatisfaction, or judgment.
It is an expression frequently used in everyday conversation.
[Examples]
急いでいるのに、今日に限ってバスが遅れています。
Even though I’m in a hurry, the bus is late today of all days.
⇒ This indicates that on the specific day “today,” something unusual—the bus being late—is happening.
彼に限って、そんな単純なミスをするわけがないと思うけどな。
He, of all people, would never make such a simple mistake.
なんでもいいと言う人に限って、不満を言うことが多いです。
It’s always the people who say “Anything is fine” who end up complaining the most.
Aに限りB (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Used when limiting something to a specific person or condition
[Rule]
[N] Noun + に限り / 限ります
[Examples]
初めてご利用の方に限り、500円オフクーポンをご利用いただけます。
A ¥500 discount coupon is available only for first-time users.
5名以上でご来店の方に限り、ドリンク１杯無料でサービスします。
Only groups of five or more people will receive one free drink.
応募は日本に住んでいる方に限ります。
Applications are limited to those who live in Japan.
A in this pattern indicates the specific target, and B expresses that it is limited only to that target. It is not often used in everyday conversation but is frequently found in official notices, regulations, or written announcements.
[Examples]
女性に限り、無料でこのイベントに参加できます。
Only women may participate in this event free of charge.
⇒ This means that the free participation applies exclusively to women.
このサービスは会員様に限り、ご利用いただけます。
This service is available only to members.
このエリアに入場できるのは関係者に限ります。
Only authorized personnel are allowed to enter this area.
Let’s Compare
When used in the following cases, there is a difference in meaning. What exactly is that difference?
[Examples]
①今日に限って割引です。
②今日に限り割引です。
① expresses that on the specific day “today,” an unusual event—“a discount”—has occurred, and it often carries the speaker’s feelings of disappointment or dissatisfaction.
(Example: “There’s never a discount when I come shopping, but today, when I didn’t come, there is one.”)
② states plainly that under the specific condition of “today,” a discount will be applied, conveying a simple limiting condition.
Now, consider the following sentences:
[Examples]
① A社の製品に限って、簡単に壊れることはないでしょう。
② A社の製品に限り、簡単に壊れることはないでしょう。
The correct choice is ①.
“Aに限ってB” characteristically conveys the speaker’s feelings or evaluation within B.
In this case, it reflects the speaker’s confidence and evaluation: “Since I trust A company’s products, such an unfavorable situation wouldn’t happen.” Therefore, “に限って” sounds more natural.
Summary
[Aに限ってB]
- A indicates a specific person or situation, and B expresses something unusual or unfavorable that happens.
- It often includes the speaker’s feelings of regret or evaluation, and is commonly used in everyday conversation.
[Aに限りB]
- A restricts the target, and B states something under that condition.
- It is often used in written language, such as official notices or regulations.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. に限り
この割引は学生に限り利用できます。
This discount is limited to students.
*Since the offer is limited to students, “に限り” is correct.
A.に限って
忙しい日に限って、パソコンの調子が悪くなります。
On busy days in particular, my computer tends to break down.
*Because it refers to a specific day when something unusual happens, “に限って” is correct.
A. に限り
会場に入れるのは、招待状を持っている方に限ります。
Only those with an invitation may enter the venue.
*Since entry is restricted to people who have an invitation, “に限り” is correct.
A.に限って
「がんばります」という人に限って、すぐに仕事を辞めがちです。
It is precisely those who say “I’ll do my best” who tend to quit their jobs quickly.
*Because it refers to a specific type of person and conveys the speaker’s dissatisfaction or evaluation, “に限って” is correct.
Similer Articles
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