〜とは限らない
not necessarily ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜とは限らない” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜とは限らない」 means "not necessarily ~". Structure: Plain + とは限らない. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1修理が高いとは限りません。
しゅうり が たかい と は かぎりません。
shuuri ga takai to wa kagirimasen.
The repair is not necessarily expensive.
At work
Example 2資料が高いとは限りません。
しりょう が たかい と は かぎりません。
shiryou ga takai to wa kagirimasen.
The materials is not necessarily expensive.
Everyday life
Example 3機械が高いとは限りません。
きかい が たかい と は かぎりません。
kikai ga takai to wa kagirimasen.
The machine is not necessarily expensive.
Everyday life
Example 4材料が高いとは限りません。
ざいりょう が たかい と は かぎりません。
zairyou ga takai to wa kagirimasen.
The ingredients is not necessarily expensive.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
The repair is not necessarily expensive.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜とは限らない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.