〜たきり

Since...; Only...; Not anymore...

1. Overview

「〜たきり」 is a grammatical structure used to express a state or action that has continued since a certain point in time, often implying that it has not occurred again or that it remains unchanged.

2. Structure

Verb (た form) + きり
Noun + きり

3. Usage Explanation

Indicates a state since a specific point: 「〜たきり」 typically signifies that since a certain moment, a specific state or action has continued, or that a certain action has occurred only once and has not been repeated.
Usage Context: It is used to describe past experiences, the continuation of a state, or to emphasize changes in a situation.

4. Example Sentences

彼は家を出たきり、戻ってこない。
(He has not returned since he left home.)
この仕事を始めたきり、忙しくて何もできない。
(Since I started this job, I have been so busy that I can't do anything.)
彼女は去年の旅行以来、旅行していない。
(She has not traveled since last year's trip.)
お金を借りたきり、彼とは連絡を取っていない。
(Since borrowing money, I have not been in touch with him.)
あの人に会ったきり、何も聞いていない。
(I haven't heard anything since I met that person.)

5. Key Points to Note

Continuity of Time: 「〜たきり」 emphasizes that an action or state has persisted since a specific moment, often accompanied by the implication of no change or no new developments.
Difference from 「〜たあと」: While 「〜たきり」 stresses the continued state after the completion of an action, 「〜たあと」 merely indicates the chronological sequence without implying continuity.

6. Similar Grammar

〜たまま: Indicates that a certain state remains unchanged.
- Example: 靴を履いたまま、家に上がってしまった。
  (I went into the house with my shoes on.)

7. Alternative Grammar

〜て以来: Indicates a state that has continued since a certain action.
- Example: 彼に会って以来、彼のことを考えています。
  (Since I met him, I have been thinking about him.)

8. Summary

「〜たきり」 is used to express that a particular action or state has continued since a specific moment in time, emphasizing changes or stagnation from that point onward. It is commonly used in both spoken and written language.