に限らず
Not just, Not only… but also
Structure
Explanation
The Japanese grammar pattern に限らず is used to express that something applies 'not only to (A), but also to (B)'. It conveys that the scope is not limited to just one thing. It is formed by the particle に, the verb 限る (to limit), and ず, a classical negative ending that functions like ない.
This grammar is placed after a noun. The part of the sentence that follows then introduces a wider range of things or a broader category that also includes the first noun (A).
- このスーパーは祝日に限らず、普段からお客さんが多いです。This supermarket is busy not only on public holidays, but also on typical days.
- この映画は大人に限らず、子供でも楽しめます。This movie can be enjoyed not just by adults, but by children as well.
- サッカーは男性に限らず、女性にもファンが多いです。Soccer has many fans, not only among men but also among women.
The particle も can be used in the second half of the sentence for added emphasis. This is particularly common when listing several additional examples, as in the pattern ‘(B) も (C) も’.
- アニメは日本だけに限らず、アメリカでもヨーロッパでも人気があります。Anime is popular not only in Japan, but also in America and Europe.
- 健康を維持するには、運動に限らず、食事も睡眠も同じくらい重要です。To maintain your health, not only is exercise important, but diet and sleep are equally vital.
Examples
台風に限らず、夏の天気は変わりやすい。
Not just typhoons, but summer weather in general can be very unpredictable.
納豆に限らず、匂いの強い食べ物は苦手だ。
Not just natto, but I'm not a fan of any strong-smelling food.
このお店に限らず、週末はどこも混んでいる。
Not just this store, but everywhere is crowded on the weekends.
サッカーに限らず、チームでやるスポーツが好きです。
Not just soccer, but I like team sports in general.
スマートフォンに限らず、デジタル機器の使いすぎは目に悪い。
Not only smartphones, but overuse of any digital device is bad for your eyes.
子供に限らず、元気な人といるとこっちまで楽しくなる。
Not just children, but being around energetic people makes me feel happy too.
誕生日に限らず、誰かに祝ってもらえるのは嬉しいことだ。
Not only on your birthday, but it's always wonderful to have someone celebrate for you.
数学に限らず、理系の科目が全部苦手なんです。
It's not just math; but I'm bad at all science-related subjects.
接客業に限らず、どんな仕事でもコミュニケーションは重要だ。
Not limited to customer service, but communication is important in any job.
犬に限らず、動物はみんな可愛いと思う。
Not just dogs, but I think all animals are cute.
風邪の予防に限らず、健康のためには手洗いが基本です。
Not just for preventing colds, but washing your hands is fundamental for good health in general.
プラスチック問題に限らず、環境に関する課題は多い。
Not limited to the plastic problem, but there are many issues concerning the environment.