# きり: only; just; since

> Learn how to use きり, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning only; just; since, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-kiri/

**きり** means **only; just; since**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **limit something to one time, one person, or a state that has continued since then**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **limit something to one time, one person, or a state that has continued since then**, **きり** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does きり mean?

Use **きり** when you want to **limit something to one time, one person, or a state that has continued since then**.

Natural translations include:
- only; just; since
- only
- only / just / since

## How to form きり

Noun + きり / Verbた-form + きり

Examples of the pattern:
- 二人きり
- 一度きり
- 会ったきり

## When is きり used?

Use **きり** in situations like:
- being alone with someone
- one-time events
- something unchanged since a past action

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## きり example sentences

- 彼とは一度会ったきりです。 — I met him only once.
- 二人きりで話したい。 — I want to talk with you alone, just the two of us.
- 日本へ行ったきり、彼は帰ってこない。 — Since he went to Japan, he has not come back.
- このチャンスは一度きりだ。 — This chance comes only once.
- 寝たきりの祖母を家族で世話している。 — Our family cares for my grandmother, who is bedridden.

## Nuance of きり

The key nuance is **a sharp limitation or a state that remains after one point**.

This matters because **きり** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[だけ](/blog/n5-dake/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## きり vs だけ

Both **きり** and **[だけ](/blog/n5-dake/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**きり**:
- means **only; just; since**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[だけ](/blog/n5-dake/)**:
- だけ simply means “only”; きり often adds finality, intimacy, or “since then” continuation

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 彼とは一度会ったきりです。 — I met him only once.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[だけ](/blog/n5-dake/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with きり

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using きり for every “only” sentence
- Forgetting that Verbた + きり often implies no change afterward
- Confusing 一人きり with 一人だけ in emotional nuance

## Is きり on the JLPT?

Yes. **きり** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for きり

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say you met someone only once.
- Say this is your only chance.
- Say someone left and has not returned since.

## Learning path for きり

To learn **きり** efficiently, review the formation first, then compare it with the closest existing grammar point before writing your own sentence.

1. First, make sure you can form **きり** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [だけ](/blog/n5-dake/), [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences where the grammar point’s nuance is necessary; then check whether replacing **きり** with [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [だけ](/blog/n5-dake/) — because it is the closest comparison used in this article.

## Learn きり with Hane

If you want to review **きり** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)