By ProDev Teach | Updated: May 2025
📘 Meaning & Usage
The grammar pattern ～に限らない means “not limited to” or “not only.” It is used to indicate that a certain condition, state, or action applies more broadly than what is stated.
English Translations:
- Not limited to…
- Not only…
- Doesn’t just apply to…
Structure:
Noun + に限らない
💡 Example Sentences
- このサービスは学生に限らない。
This service is not limited to students. - この問題は日本に限らない。
This issue is not limited to Japan. - 読書は若者に限らない、年配の方にも人気がある。
Reading isn’t just for the young; it is also popular among older people. - この法律は企業に限らない、個人にも影響がある。
This law doesn’t just apply to companies; it affects individuals too.
📝 Grammar Notes
Often used in written or formal contexts. This structure emphasizes that the scope is broader than initially assumed.
Common collocations:
- 学生に限らない (not limited to students)
- 日本に限らない (not limited to Japan)
- 女性に限らない (not limited to women)
✏️ Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks
- この病気は高齢者（ ）。
- 地球温暖化は一国（ ）問題だ。
- この特典は会員（ ）。
✔ Answers:
- この病気は高齢者に限らない。
- 地球温暖化は一国に限らない問題だ。
- この特典は会員に限らない。
2. Translate into Japanese
- This benefit is not limited to members.
- This issue is not only for Japan.
✔ Suggested Answers:
- この特典は会員に限らない。
- この問題は日本に限らない。
📚 Related Grammar
- ～だけではない： Not only… (more conversational)
- ～に限って： Only in case of… (JLPT N2)
- ～に限る： Nothing better than… (JLPT N2)
🧠 Summary
- ～に限らない = “Not limited to / Not only”
- Level: JLPT N1
- Form: Noun + に限らない
- Usage: Formal or written; broadens the scope of the subject
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.
