At the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), you will encounter many grammar structures that are used in formal settings to express various meanings. One such grammar structure is ～を限りに (wo kagiri ni), which is used to indicate that something will be limited to a particular time, event, or situation, often marking the end of something.
🧠 Meaning of ～を限りに
The grammar ～を限りに is used to express the idea of setting a boundary, limit, or termination to an event or action. It is often translated as:
- With this as the limit
- Until
- From this point forward
- Marking the end of something
It signifies the final point of an action, event, or period. This grammar structure is typically used to emphasize that something will stop, change, or transition after a certain event or time.
🧩 Structure
- [Noun] + を限りに
The noun can represent a time, event, or action. It indicates that the event or action will come to a stop after the noun mentioned.
⚠️ Important Notes
- ～を限りに is most commonly used in formal settings such as speeches, announcements, and written communications.
- It emphasizes that something ends or changes at a specific point, and this point marks a significant boundary.
- It is often used for events, ceremonies, or actions that have a clear starting or ending point.
- This structure is not used for everyday, casual conversations.
📘 Examples
Example 1:
今日を限りに、彼はこの会社を辞めることになった。
(Kyō wo kagiri ni, kare wa kono kaisha wo yameru koto ni natta.)
→ As of today, he has decided to quit this company.
Example 2:
この試合を限りに、引退する予定です。
(Kono shiai wo kagiri ni, intai suru yotei desu.)
→ I plan to retire after this match.
Example 3:
本日を限りに、特別セールが終了します。
(Honjitsu wo kagiri ni, tokubetsu sēru ga shūryō shimasu.)
→ The special sale will end today.
Example 4:
式を限りに、すべての学生が退校することになりました。
(Shiki wo kagiri ni, subete no gakusei ga taikō suru koto ni narimashita.)
→ After the ceremony, all students will leave the school.
🔄 Similar Grammar Patterns
| Grammar | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| ～をもって | With (something) as the limit | Used to emphasize the limit or conclusion of an event or time |
| ～を最後に | With this as the last / final | Indicates that something is the last in a series or the final occurrence |
| ～を契機に | Taking this as an opportunity | Used to mark a turning point or a trigger for change |
📝 Usage Tips
- ～を限りに is often used when something ends or marks a transition, such as graduation, retirement, or closing of a store.
- It emphasizes that the event described is the last one or the end point, and no further events will occur after that.
- The structure is often used for formal announcements and in written Japanese, especially in speeches or ceremonies.
🎓 Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| JLPT Level | N1 |
| Formality | High (used in formal speeches, written language) |
| Meaning | With this as the limit / Until / From this point forward |
| Function | Marks the end or final point of an event or action |
🗣 Practice Time
Try creating your own sentences using ～を限りに to practice. Here are some prompts:
- Describe a situation where something will end or change after a specific time.
- Write about a significant event, such as a graduation or retirement, and use ～を限りに to indicate the final moment of the event.
- Talk about a business or store that is closing and use ～を限りに to mark the closure date.
