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JapanLingo

limit

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
9
JLPT
N2

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a terraced hillside, with the kanji 限 ("limit") drawn into the picture.

Break 限 down and you get ⻖ (hill / mound) — a terraced hill climbing at the left, and beside it 艮 (stubborn / firm) — a figure looking back over its shoulder, feet planted and refusing to move. Picture a terraced hillside, put 限 inside it, and let that scene stand for "limit" — limit. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 9

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 9 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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9

Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

gentei

limitation

seigen

restriction

kyokugen

limit

genkai

limit

seigensuru

to do restriction

seigenshita

plain past: did restriction

Example sentences (6)

kono setto wa kikan gentei desu.

This set is available for a limited time.

kaiin ni gentei shita seeru na node, touroku ga hitsuyou desu.

Since it is a members-only sale, registration is required.

fairu no saizu ni seigen ga arimasu.

There is a limit on the file size.

jikan no seigen ga aru to wa ie, shitsu wa otoshitaku arimasen.

Even though there is a time limit, we do not want to lower the quality.

zen'in ga kyouryoku shinai kagiri, kono keikaku no jitsugen wa muzukashii deshou.

Unless everyone cooperates, realizing this plan will be difficult.

honban ni chikai kankyou de kenshou shinai kagiri, anshin shite koukai dekimasen.

Unless we verify it in an environment close to production, we cannot release it with confidence.