Translation and Meaning of: 局限 - kyokugen

If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have come across the word 局限[きょくげん]. It appears in various contexts, from academic discussions to everyday conversations, and understanding its meaning can be essential for mastering the nuances of the language. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in practice, and even some tips for memorizing it efficiently.

局限 is a term that carries an idea of limitation or restriction, but its use goes beyond the literal sense. In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find not only the precise definition but also real examples of how the Japanese use it in different situations. Let's unveil everything from the composition of the kanjis to the cultural perception behind this expression.

Meaning and use of 局限

局限[きょくげん] is formed by the kanjis 局 (office, situation) and 限 (limit), combined to convey the idea of "limitation" or "restriction." Unlike words such as 制限[せいげん], which also mean "limit," 局限 has a more specific tone, indicating an intentional or circumscribed delimitation in a certain scope. For example, it can be used to talk about restrictions in scientific research or in the interpretation of laws.

In everyday life, the Japanese use 局限 when they want to emphasize that something is confined to certain parameters. A teacher might say that a theory has "局限された適用範囲" (limited scope of application), or a newspaper article may mention "情報の局限" (limitation of information). It is a common word in formal contexts, but it often appears in daily discussions when talking about clear boundaries.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 局限 dates back to classical Chinese, where the characters were already used together with a similar meaning. The kanji 局, originally associated with "istrative division" or "delimited space," combines with 限, which carries the notion of boundary or barrier. Together, they reinforce the idea of something contained within defined margins, whether physically or abstractly.

It is worth noting that 局 alone can have other meanings, such as in 郵便局[ゆうびんきょく] (post office), but in 局限 it acts as a modifier that specifies the type of limitation. On the other hand, 限 appears in various other words related to limits, such as 期限[きげん] (deadline) and 無限[むげん] (unlimited). This familiarity helps students associate the term with concepts they already know.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 局限 is to associate it with situations where limits are clearly established. Think of "a survey with a limited sample 局限ada" or "powers 局限ados by the constitution." Creating flashcards with real examples, like those available on Suki Nihongo, also helps to internalize the term. Another strategy is to observe its use in news or academic articles, where it appears frequently.

Avoid confusing 局限 with like 制限, which imply more active restrictions (like rules), or 限定[げんてい], used for things like "limited editions" or "exclusive offers". Pay attention to the context: if the idea is of something naturally circumscribed (like a field of study), 局限 is the more appropriate choice. With practice, the distinction becomes intuitive.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 制限 (Seigen) - Limitation
• 限界 (Genkai) - Limit, maximum point of capacity
• 範囲内 (Han'inai) - Within reach, within limits
• 限定 (Gentei) - Restriction, something that is limited to certain conditions
• 狭窄 (Kyousaku) - Narrowing, the condition of being narrow
• 狭量 (Kyouryou) - Mental restriction, limitation of thought
• 狭量化 (Kyouryouka) - Process of narrowing down concepts or ideas
• 狭量性 (Kyouryousei) - Quality of being limited in thought or perspective
• 狭量的 (Kyouryouteki) - Regarding the limitation of thought
• 狭量的な (Kyouryouteki na) - Adjective that describes something as narrow-minded.
• 狭量的に (Kyouryouteki ni) - In a narrow way, in limited
• 狭量的な人 (Kyouryouteki na hito) - A narrow-minded person
• 狭量な (Kyouryou na) - Adjective that denotes a limited mindset
• 狭量な人 (Kyouryou na hito) - Person with a restricted mindset
• 狭量な考え方 (Kyouryou na kangaekata) - Restricted mindset
• 狭量な発言 (Kyouryou na hatsugen) - Limited mindset statement
• 狭量な人間 (Kyouryou na ningen) - Individual with a narrow mindset
• 狭量な心 (Kyouryou na kokoro) - Heart of limited mindset
• 狭量な視野 (Kyouryou na shiya) - Narrow vision, limited perspective
• 狭量な性格 (Kyouryou na seikaku) - Restrictive personality
• 狭量な見方 (Kyouryou na mikata) - Limited point of view
• 狭量な人生観 (Kyouryou na jinseikan) - Restricted view of life
• 狭量な考え (Kyouryou na kangae) - Limited thinking
• 狭量な思考 (Kyouryou na shikou) - Restricted reasoning
• 狭量な言動 (Kyouryou na gendou) - Behavior of a fixed mindset
• 狭量な態度 (Kyouryou na taido) - Limited attitude
• 狭量な感覚 (Kyouryou na kankaku) - Limited sense or perception