All JLPT grammar
N1

Verbる ときりがない

Used to indicate that something can go on endlessly or without limits.

At a glance

Verb (dictionary form) + ときりがない means "if you start doing this, there is no end to it". It is used for things that could go on forever, such as worrying, complaining or listing examples.

Verb (dictionary form) + と + きりがない

細こまかいことを気きにするときりがない。 If you worry about little things, there's no end to it.


How to form it

Put the verb in the dictionary form, then add ときりがない.

Attaches to Form Example
う-verb dictionary form + と 言いうときりがない
る-verb dictionary form + と 数かぞえるときりがない
する verb する + と 心配しんぱいするときりがない
Noun add a verb 文句もんくを言いうときりがない
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Casual ~ときりがない
Polite ~ときりがありません

Adjectives and nouns usually do not attach directly. Use a verb clause.

Examples

  • 彼かれの悪口わるくちを言いうときりがない。

    If we start talking about his faults, there's no end.

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The rest of the lesson

When to use it, common mistakes, nuances and a quick check, with spaced repetition to make it stick.

Read the full lesson for free