While the う-Verb 限(かぎ)る ('to limit') appears in many grammar structures, 限(かぎ)り is perhaps its most adaptable form. This is largely because it connects directly to other words without a particle like に, allowing the preceding word to define its precise meaning.

限(かぎ)り connects to verbs in their standard forms, or to nouns followed by である. Let's examine some of its most common functions and translations.

Its first primary use is to show that (B) is only possible within the conditions or range of (A). This establishes a clear boundary for an action or state and can be translated as 'as long as (A), (B)' or 'limited to (A), (B)'.

• 学生(がくせい)である限(かぎ)り、この図書館(としょかん)が使(つか)えます。
  As long as you're a student, you can use this library.
• 私(わたし)に時間(じかん)がある限(かぎ)り、手伝(てつだ)いたいです。
  As long as I have time, I'd like to help.

The second function indicates that a statement (B) is being made based on the full extent of one's knowledge or perception (A). This is often used with verbs like 'to see', 'to hear', or 'to know', and translates well to 'as far as (A)...' or 'from what (A)...'.

• この地図(ちず)を見(み)る限(かぎ)り、駅(えき)はあそこです。
  As far as I can tell from this map, the station is over there.
• 私(わたし)が知(し)っている限(かぎ)り、彼女(かのじょ)は一度(いちど)も遅刻(ちこく)したことがありません。
  As far as I know, she has never been late before.

The third and final meaning of 限(かぎ)り is used to express that if a certain condition or status (A) holds true, then a consequence or responsibility (B) naturally follows. This nuance can be translated as 'as long as (A) is the case, (B)' or 'given that (A), (B)'.

• この会社(かいしゃ)で働(はたら)く限(かぎ)り、会社(かいしゃ)のルールを守(まも)らなければなりません。
  As long as you work for this company, you must follow its rules.
• チームのキャプテンである限(かぎ)り、みんなをリードしなければならない。
  As long as you're the team captain, you have to lead everyone.

Despite these different nuances, 限(かぎ)り consistently uses (A) to define the scope or condition under which (B) is valid.