JLPT N2 grammar

〜限り／ない限りmeaning and usage

Meaning

As long as A is the case/still true (ない限り: unless A)

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)/verb (nai-form)限り
  • verb (te-form)いる限り
  • な-adjective (stem)な/である限り
  • nounである限り

How it is used

「〜限り」: as long as A continues, B holds. 「〜ない限り」: unless A happens, B — stronger than 「〜なければ」, implying A is the only thing that would change the outcome.

Examples

  1. 人と話している限り、相手の表情にも目を向けることが大事です。

    As long as you're talking with someone, it's important to pay attention to their expression too.

  2. この店は、体が元気な限り続けるつもりだ。

    I intend to keep this shop going as long as I'm in good health.

  3. 本人が来ない限り、書類はお渡しできません。

    We can't hand over the documents unless the person comes in themselves.