N1 · Structured courses

Ni Kagitte: Of All Times / Only In

"Of all times, it happened when..." or "only in the case of." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: "Of all times, it happened when..." or "only in the case of."
  • Form and connection: [Noun] に限かぎって
  • Nuance in real use: に限って is the Japanese version of Murphy's Law—the more you need something to go right, the more likely it goes wrong.

Form and connection

[Noun] に限かぎって

Core Explanation

"Of all times, it happened when..." or "only in the case of."

Cultural Note

に限って is the Japanese version of Murphy's Law—the more you need something to go right, the more likely it goes wrong.

Practical examples

Of all times, the bus doesn't come when I'm in a hurry.
Of all days, it poured rain on the day I forgot my umbrella.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun] に限かぎって
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerOf all times, the bus doesn't come when I'm in a hurry.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer傘かさを忘わすれた日ひに限かぎって大雨おおあめだった。 ([Noun] に限かぎって)

Continue learning