kagiru

Kagiru (限る) is a Japanese verb meaning to limit, restrict, or be limited to. It is read kun’yomi as kagiru and is used in a variety of expressions to specify boundaries, scopes, or best options. The kanji 限 conveys a boundary or limit, and the verb is common in both spoken and written Japanese.

One of the most frequent constructions is Xに限る, which expresses that something is limited to X or is the best option. Examples include このクラスは定員が30名に限る (The class is limited to 30 students) and 夏はビールに限る (When it comes to summer, beer is the best). Another common form is Xには限らず, meaning not limited to X or not restricted to X; it is used to indicate that something applies more broadly, as in 日本語には限らず、英語にも通じる (Not only in Japanese, but also in English it is understood).

A more emphatic or specialized nuance is found in Xには限って, which is used to single out a particular situation or person, often with an emotional emphasis. For example, 今日は私に限って雨が降る (Today, of all days, it’s me who gets rain). This usage tends to appear in spoken language and can carry a slightly dramatic tone.

Limitations and register: 限る is versatile but can sound formal or written in some contexts, especially in technical or policy-related writing. The related forms 限らず (not limited to) and 限定 (gentei; limitation) are often used alongside to discuss scope and boundaries.