Structure
Noun + に限って
Details
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Standard
About に限って
The expression に限って in Japanese is a phrase that has three primary uses, the first is to show that (B) is an unbelievable thing about (A), the second is to express that something is limited to (A), and the third highlights that in most cases for (A), (B). Depending on the particular nuance that is being used, common translations include 'particularly when (A), (B)', 'those who (A), (B)', and 'only when (A), (B)'.
This structure is comprised of に, and the て-form of the う-Verb 限る 'to limit'. Let's look at a few examples of each potential meaning.
First, when something about (A) is unbelievable due to what is either expected or previously known.
Second, when something is limited to (A).
Third, when (B) is true in most cases concerning (A).
While each of these uses can roughly be translated as 'only when', it will be important to keep all three meanings in mind when interpreting sentences that use に限って.
Examples
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昼寝をしている時に限って電話が鳴る。
Particularly when I am napping does the phone ring.
僕がカメラを忘れた日に限って虹が出る。
Only on days when I forget my camera, do rainbows appear.
新曲発売日に限って大雨だ。
Only on days when a new song is released is it pouring rain.
早口の人に限ってたくさんしゃべるから、聞き取れない。
Only those who talk fast have a lot to say, so I can't catch it all.
外に調査へ出かける時に限って、雨が降る。
It is only when I go out to investigate that it rains
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に限って – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (2 in total)
megatron0000
The 日本語の森 video is not accessible, just noticing
s1212z
Noticed this for another link as well, are they taking down their older videos?
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