GRAMMAR DETAIL
限り
Indicates that the following situation remains valid while the stated condition continues to hold.
Examples
体力が続く限り、この仕事を続けたい。
I want to continue this work as long as my strength holds out.
Words used
時間がある限り、この問題を考え続ける。
As long as I have time, I will keep thinking about this problem.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
限り（かぎり）to a verb or state expression to delimit the range in which a condition holds. - Basic usage:
体力が続く限り、この仕事を続けたい。expresses wanting to continue working while one's strength holds out.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A condition and a period of time
元気な限り働くforegrounds continued health as a condition, while夏休みの間働くforegrounds the summer vacation period.限りalone does not give a date when the condition will cease.
- Limiting the scope of knowledge
私が知っている限りではlimits a judgment to what the speaker knows. Rather than the duration of a condition, it restricts the scope of the evidence for the judgment.