GrammarJLPT N1Verb たら きりがない (Verb tara kiri ga nai)

Verb たら きりがない (Verb tara kiri ga nai)

JLPT N1

Explanation

Indicates an endless or unending cycle once an action is started; 'if one starts doing something, it will not stop.'

Formation

Verb-た form + ら + きりがない

Detailed Explanation

The たらきりがない grammar pattern is used when something negative or undesirable continues indefinitely once it begins. The implication is that you should avoid initiating the action because it’ll just go on and on.

Examples

このエンジンを修理したら、またすぐ壊れて、直したらきりがない。

Kono enjin o shuuri shitara, mata sugu kowarete, naoshitara kiri ga nai.

If I fix this engine, it breaks again, and if I fix it again, it never ends.

飲み始めたらきりがない。

Nomihajimetara kiri ga nai.

Once I start drinking, I never stop.

彼女にお金を貸したら、きりがない。

Kanojo ni okane o kashitara, kiri ga nai.

If I lend her money, there will be no end to it.

彼の話を聞き始めたらきりがない。

Kare no hanashi o kikihajimetara kiri ga nai.

Once you start listening to his stories, it never ends.

Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.