JLPT N2 Grammar

〜に限って (ni kagitte)

This practice is for JLPT N2 learners who need more than just a passing grade. If you are working in Japan—or aiming to—you know that the "minimum requirement" for a job isn't the same as the "requirement to succeed."

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〜に限って(ni kagitte)
“only when it comes to…; ironically when…”

This is is used when something happens in a surprising, ironic, or unexpected way specifically in that case. It often implies frustration, disbelief, or coincidence.

This is neutral grammar used in both spoken and written Japanese. It appears frequently in workplace discussions, reports, and analytical writing. The expression itself is not inherently polite; politeness depends on the verb form used.

Format

  • Noun + に限って  
    急いでいるときに限って、信号が赤になる。Just when I'm in a hurry, the light turns red.
    あの彼に限って、嘘をつくはずがない。He, of all people, would never tell a lie.
  • [Reason] + に限って + [Action/Result]
    詳しくない人に限って、難しい専門用語を使いたがる。People who aren't well-informed are the very ones who want to use difficult technical jargon.

Often followed by negative or unexpected outcomes.

Example sentences

  • なのに、が。
    The train is late only on important meeting days.
  • に、が。
    Problems tend to occur exactly when we’re busy.
  • にそんなをとは。
    I can’t imagine him making that mistake.
  • に、がに。
    The system becomes unstable right before deadlines.
  • のに、を。
    I get sick specifically when traveling abroad for work.
  • なとののにが。
    It always rains on key client meeting days.
  • はなに、をを。
    Sometimes the quiet employee gives the most insightful comment.
  • にも。
    Sometimes the materials you prepared carefully aren’t used.

Similar Grammar

〜に限り / 〜に限る (ni kagiri / ni kagiru)

“limited to… / nothing but…; best is…”
本日に限り無料です。Free today only.

Difference:

  • 〜に限って often expresses irony, surprise, or an unexpected exception.
  • 〜に限り indicates a formal limitation or restriction (announcements, policies).
  • 〜に限る expresses strong preference (“nothing beats…”).

〜だけに (dake ni)

“precisely because…; all the more because…”
経験者だけに判断が早い。Precisely because he’s experienced, his decisions are fast.

Difference:

  • 〜に限って emphasizes unexpected exceptions or irony.
  • 〜だけに highlights a reason that naturally explains a result.

〜ばかりに (bakari ni)

“just because of… (often regretful result)”
油断したばかりに失敗した。I failed simply because I let my guard down.

Difference:

  • 〜に限って focuses on surprising exceptions (“of all people/times”).
  • 〜ばかりに stresses a single cause leading to an often negative result.

〜とは限らない (to wa kagiranai)

“not necessarily…; not always…”
高学歴でも成功するとは限らない。Even with a good education, success isn’t guaranteed.

Difference:

  • 〜に限って expresses emotional surprise or irony about a specific case.
  • 〜とは限らない is logical and objective, used to deny general assumptions.

JLPT Practice Questions

Q1. （　　　）。
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Q2. （　　　）です。
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Q3. （　　　）。
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Q4. （　　　）。
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Q5. （　　　）。
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Q6. （　　　）ので、。
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Q7. （　　　）。
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Q8. （　　　）。
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Q9. （　　　）、。
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Q10. （　　　）。
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Q11. の日（　　　）が。
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Q12. に（　　　）です。
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Q13. （　　　）そんなことをはずがない。
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Q14. （　　　）が。
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Q15. （　　　）。
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Q16. （　　　）ので、進めたい。
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Q17. （　　　）はをしないと。
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Q18. （　　　）いたします。
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Q19. （　　　）。
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Q20. に（　　　）が。
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Ready for the next one?

Great work finishing this lesson! Consistency is the only way to break through the N2 plateau and secure your professional credentials in Japan.

Head back to our JLPT N2 Grammar List to check this point off your list and pick your next challenge.

JLPT N2 Grammar List

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