に限る
Nothing better than, There's nothing like, Limited to
Structure
Noun + に限る
(1) Verb［ない］
Explanation
The grammar point に限る joins the case marking particle に with the う-Verb 限る ('to limit'). This phrase expresses a strong personal opinion about what the best course of action is, often translated as 'nothing beats...' or '...is the best'.
This grammar pattern can be attached to nouns or to verbs in their dictionary form.
- 疲れた時は温泉に入ってのんびりするに限る。When you're tired, there's nothing better than relaxing in a hot spring.
- 夏のデザートはかき氷に限る。When it comes to summer desserts, nothing beats shaved ice.
It is also common to use に限る with the negative ない form of a verb. When translating these sentences, it's important to convey the meaning that 'the best thing to do is to -not- do something'.
- 嫌なことがあった日は、何も考えないに限る。When something bad has happened, there's nothing better than not thinking about it.
- 風邪をひいた時は無理をしないに限る。When you have a cold, there's nothing better than taking it easy.
Fun Fact
The verb 限る literally means 境を付ける, which translates as 'to establish a boundary'. The particle に indicates the situation where this 'boundary' is set. Due to this origin, に限る can also be translated as 'is restricted to' or 'is limited to'.
- 映画を見るならポップコーンを食べるに限る。If I'm watching a movie, I am bound to eat popcorn.
- このセールは会員に限る。This sale is limited to members.
Examples
暑い日はアイスクリームに限る。
There's nothing better than ice cream on a hot day.
映画を見ながら食べるなら、ポップコーンに限る。
If you're going to eat while watching a movie, there is nothing better than popcorn.
ストレスがたまった時は、カラオケで歌うに限る。
When you're stressed out, the best thing to do is sing karaoke.
夏の休日はやっぱり海に限るね。
After all, there is nothing better than the beach for a summer holiday.
リラックスしたいなら、ゆっくりお風呂に入るに限る。
If you want to relax, there is nothing better than taking a long, leisurely bath.
美味しいラーメンを食べるなら、この店に限る。
If you want to eat delicious ramen, there is no better place than this shop.
お祝い事には、お寿司に限る。
For celebrations, there is nothing better than sushi.
天気のいい日は洗濯に限る。
On a sunny day, there's nothing better than doing the laundry.
この割引は、会員の方に限る。
This discount is limited to members only.
ランチセットの注文は、平日に限る。
The lunch set can only be ordered on weekdays.
参加資格は学生に限る。
Participation is limited to students.
外国語をマスターするなら、その国に住むに限る。
If you want to master a foreign language, the best way is to live in that country.