〜に限って ni kagitte

〜に限って（ni kagitte）means “of all things; only ... (and surprisingly so)”. Singles out one noun as exceptional. Formation: N + に限って

of all things; only ... (and surprisingly so)

N2

Formation

N + に限って

Explanation

Singles out one noun as exceptional. Two main uses: (1) 'only X, of all people/times' to express that something happens precisely at the worst/most ironic moment; (2) with negative, 'X in particular would never ...', expressing strong trust that X is the exception.

Examples

急いでいるときに限って電車が遅れる。
いそいでいるときにかぎってでんしゃがおくれる。
It's precisely when I'm in a hurry that the train is late.
うちの子に限ってうそをつくはずがない。
うちのこにかぎってうそをつくはずがない。
My child, of all people, would never tell a lie.

Note

Don't confuse with 〜に限り (limited to / only for), which marks a restriction or special offer. 〜に限って carries an emotional nuance of irony or trust.

FAQ

〜に限って — what does it mean and how is it used?

of all things; only ... (and surprisingly so). Singles out one noun as exceptional. Two main uses: (1) 'only X, of all people/times' to express that something happens precisely at the worst/most ironic moment; (2) with negative, 'X in particular would never ...', expressing strong trust that X is the exception.

〜に限って — how do you form it?

N + に限って

〜に限って — any usage notes?

Don't confuse with 〜に限り (limited to / only for), which marks a restriction or special offer. 〜に限って carries an emotional nuance of irony or trust.

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