Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 限界 | genkai | [ɡẽ̞ŋka̠i] (narrow) |
| 限度 | gendo | [ɡẽ̞ndo̞] (narrow) |
| リミット | rimitto | [ɾʲimʲit̚to̞] (narrow) |
The term 'limit' refers to a restriction or a boundary that cannot be surpassed. 限界 is the most common word used to express this concept. You can use the phrase 限界に達する to say that someone or something has reached its breaking point or capacity.
Which one should you use?
While 限界 is the standard term for a boundary or restriction, 限度 is also used to denote a limit. リミット is a loanword from English and is typically used in modern or casual contexts, often specifically referring to a deadline or a time limit.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
リミット is used in colloquial or casual settings. In more formal contexts, if you want to express the idea of 'as far as' or 'to the extent of', the word 限り is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer specifically to a monetary limit, such as a credit limit, use the term 限度額.
How do you pronounce it?
genkai
Did you know?
- In Japanese sports and fitness culture, 限界 is often used in the phrase 限界突破 to describe 'breaking through your limits' to reach a new level of strength or skill.
- The character 限 in 限界 and 限度 originally depicted a boundary or a fence, reflecting the physical act of partitioning land.
- In Japanese, when talking about a speed limit, the term 速度制限 (sokudo seigen) is used, where 制限 (seigen) means 'restriction' rather than a physical boundary like 限界.
Examples in context
- 限界はありません。There's no limit.This sentence is useful for stating that there is no limit using 限界.Tatoeba #8637441 by small_snow, translation #2252660 by CK
- 物事には限度がある。There is a limit to everything.This sentence is useful for saying there is a limit to everything using 限度.Tatoeba #83764 by KK_kaku_, translation #67411 by CK
- 物には限界というものがある。Everything has its limit.This sentence is useful for expressing that everything has a limit using 限界.Tatoeba #83833 by tommy__san, translation #319883 by CM
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are studying for a difficult exam together.
- 蓮 Renもう限界だ。休もう。Mō genkai da. Yasumō.I've reached my limit. Let's take a break.
- 結衣 Yui蓮、まだ早いよ。Ren, mada hayai yo.Ren, it's too early for that.
- 蓮 Ren本当に限界なんだよ。Hontō ni genkai nanda yo.I'm really at my limit.
- 結衣 Yuiわかった。少し休もうか。Wakatta. Sukoshi yasumō ka.I understand. Shall we rest for a bit?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “limit” translations and entries 限界, 限度, リミット, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
