に限る (にかぎる)
Frequent Usages
- 寒い日は温かいスープに限る
- 疲れた時は早く寝るに限る
- 夏は冷たい飲み物に限る
- 初めての旅行はガイド付きに限る
- 休日の過ごし方は、のんびりするに限る
Meaning and Usage
The expression "〜に限る" (にかぎる) is used to convey that something is the best, most ideal, or preferred option in a given situation. It implies that no other option compares to the one mentioned, and is often used to emphasize personal recommendations, preferences, or general truths. Common translations include "there’s nothing like...," "it’s best to...," or "the best choice is..."
This expression is frequently used in casual and conversational contexts to recommend or emphasize what someone feels is the most suitable or enjoyable option.
Form
- Verb (辞書形) + に限る
Used to say that doing a certain action is the best choice in a given situation.
疲れたときは、早く寝るに限る
つかれたときは、はやくねるにかぎる
"When you're tired, it’s best to go to bed early." - Noun + に限る
Used to emphasize that a particular thing or option is the best.
夏はアイスクリームに限る
なつはアイスクリームにかぎる
"In summer, there’s nothing like ice cream."
When to Use It
Use "〜に限る" when you want to recommend or emphasize that something is the best or most ideal choice in a specific situation. This expression is commonly used for personal opinions, recommendations, and expressing personal preferences for things that bring comfort, enjoyment, or practicality.
- To express a strong preference for an option that you feel is the most enjoyable:
暑い日には冷たいビールに限る
あついひにはつめたいビールにかぎる
"On a hot day, there’s nothing like a cold beer." - To suggest that a certain action or approach is the most effective or ideal choice:
勉強するなら、集中して短時間に終わらせるに限る
べんきょうするなら、しゅうちゅうしてたんじかんにおわらせるにかぎる
"When studying, it’s best to focus and finish in a short time."
Examples for Each Form
- Verb (辞書形) + に限る
- 暑い日には水泳をするに限る
あついひにはすいえいをするにかぎる
"On a hot day, swimming is the best." - 疲れた時は、家でのんびりするに限る
つかれたときは、いえでのんびりするにかぎる
"When you're tired, the best thing is to relax at home."
- Noun + に限る
- 寒い日は温かいお茶に限る
さむいひはあたたかいおちゃにかぎる
"On a cold day, there’s nothing like hot tea." - 冬の朝はコーヒーに限る
ふゆのあさはコーヒーにかぎる
"There’s nothing like coffee on a winter morning."
Improper Usage
Avoid using "〜に限る" for neutral or overly broad statements that do not involve a personal opinion or preference, as this expression carries a tone of strong recommendation or preference. It may also sound unnatural if used to describe things that are not typically enjoyed or preferred.
Key Points to Remember
- "〜に限る" is used to express that something is the best or most ideal option in a given context.
- It conveys a tone of personal recommendation, preference, or practicality.
- "〜に限る" can be used with verbs in the dictionary form or nouns, with no change in meaning between the two.
Formality
"〜に限る" is generally neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It is common in spoken language and casual writing, but it may also appear in formal writing to make recommendations or suggest a preferred option.
Example Sentences
- 冬は温泉に限る
ふゆはおんせんにかぎる
"In winter, there’s nothing like a hot spring." - 緊張している時は、深呼吸するに限る
きんちょうしているときは、しんこきゅうするにかぎる
"When you’re nervous, the best thing is to take a deep breath." - 暑い日に外で遊ぶなら、水遊びに限る
あついひにそとであそぶなら、みずあそびにかぎる
"If you’re going to play outside on a hot day, water play is the best." - 旅行中に美味しい食べ物を楽しむのは、現地の市場に行くに限る
りょこうちゅうにおいしいたべものをたのしむのは、げんちのいちばにいくにかぎる
"To enjoy delicious food while traveling, there’s nothing like going to the local markets." - のんびりしたい時は、自然の中に行くに限る
のんびりしたいときは、しぜんのなかにいくにかぎる
"When you want to relax, there’s nothing like going out into nature."
