Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 3: 7/23

(かぎ)ってParticularly when, Those who, Only when

Structure

Noun + (かぎ)って

Details

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About に限って

The expression (かぎ)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 (かぎ)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 (かぎ)って.

Examples

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    昼寝(ひるね)をしている(とき)(かぎ)って電話(でんわ)()る。

    Particularly when I am napping does the phone ring.

    (ぼく)がカメラを(わす)れた()(かぎ)って(にじ)()る。

    Only on days when I forget my camera, do rainbows appear.

    新曲(しんきょく)発売(はつばい)()(かぎ)って大雨(おおあめ)だ。

    Only on days when a new song is released is it pouring rain.

    早口(はやくち)(ひと)(かぎ)ってたくさんしゃべるから、()()れない。

    Only those who talk fast have a lot to say, so I can't catch it all.

    (そと)調査(ちょうさ)()かける(とき)(かぎ)って(あめ)()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

        megatron0000

        The 日本語の森 video is not accessible, just noticing

      • s1212z

        s1212z

        Noticed this for another link as well, are they taking down their older videos?

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