〜きり only, since then, just
Core meaning - only, since then, just
Form - Number + きり; Verb (た-form) + きり
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Pattern scope
- Use this pattern as a grammar frame: Number + きり; Verb (た-form) + きり.
Do not overextend meaning
- The highlighted form shows the grammar point; other words in the sentence can vary.
Check register and context
- Prefer natural context, and avoid translating word-by-word from English.
He left and hasn't come back since.
In everyday context, He left and hasn't come back since.
In real communication, He left and hasn't come back since.
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