Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Limit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "limit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
限度
げんど (gendo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
限り
かぎり (kagiri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "limit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 限度 and 限り.
In Japanese, 限度 (げんど (gendo)) is typically associated with "limit, bounds" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to express a physical or conceptual limit, or the maximum extent of something.
On the other hand, 限り (かぎり (kagiri)) maps to "limit, extent; as long as, unless" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can be a noun meaning 'limit' or 'boundary', or used as a grammatical particle/expression. A literal translation of "limit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "限度"
この駐車場の利用限度は2時間です。
The usage limit for this parking lot is 2 hours.
Bilingual Context for "限り"
私の知る限り、その情報は正しい。
As far as I know, that information is correct.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この駐車場の利用 ＿＿＿ は2時間です。" (Meaning: "The usage limit for this parking lot is 2 hours.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "限度" fits here because it means "limit, bounds" in the context of: "The usage limit for this parking lot is 2 hours.". "限り" represents "limit, extent; as long as, unless".