〜限り

As long as; To the extent that

1. Overview

「〜限り」 is used to express that "as long as a certain condition or state continues, a certain result or action will also continue." It can also be used to indicate the limits of someone's ability or knowledge, meaning "to the extent of" or "as far as I know."

2. Structure

• Verb (plain form) + 限り
• Noun + の限り
• い-Adjective + 限り
• な-Adjective + な限り

3. Usage Explanation

• Conditional Expression: 「〜限り」 is used to indicate that as long as a certain state or condition is maintained, a specific result or action will continue. It emphasizes "as long as this state continues, then...".

• Extent of Ability or Knowledge: It can also express the limits of someone's ability, knowledge, or understanding, similar to "as far as I know" or "to the best of my ability."

4. Example Sentences

1. 私が知っている限り、彼はその会議に出席しなかった。
   As far as I know, he didn’t attend that meeting.

2. 体が動く限り、スポーツを続けたい。
   As long as my body can move, I want to continue playing sports.

3. 彼が約束を守る限り、私たちは協力する。
   As long as he keeps his promise, we will cooperate.

4. 天気が良い限り、ハイキングに行こう。
   As long as the weather is good, let’s go hiking.

5. 君が頑張る限り、私は応援し続けるよ。
   As long as you keep working hard, I will keep supporting you.

5. Key Points to Note

1. Continuation of Conditions: 「〜限り」 is typically used to describe that as long as a particular condition or state persists, a certain result or action will continue to occur.

2. Extent and Range: It is frequently used to express the extent of someone's ability, knowledge, or understanding, like "as far as I know" or "to the best of my ability."

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜間 (あいだ): Indicates "during a certain time period" and emphasizes the duration of an action or state.
  • Example: 彼が戻る間、待ちます。
    (I will wait until he comes back.)

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜うちは: Similar to 「〜限り」, but more commonly used in everyday conversation and emphasizes the temporary nature of the state.
  • Example: 彼がいるうちは、安心だ。
    (As long as he’s here, I feel secure.)

8. Summary

「〜限り」 is used to express "as long as; to the extent that," emphasizing the continuation of a condition or state, or the limits of ability or knowledge. It’s a versatile expression used in both everyday conversation and formal contexts to describe cause and effect under certain conditions