以内

いない

within, less (no more) than

JLPT N4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 以内 (yǐnèi)

The term 以内 means "within" or "inside the limits of" a certain range, time, or quantity. It is commonly used to specify a boundary that should not be exceeded, such as time limits, quantity limits, or spatial limits.

Common contexts

  1. Time limits: Often used to indicate a deadline or duration within which something should be done, e.g., 以内 (within three days).
  2. Quantity or size limits: Used to restrict amounts, weights, or sizes, e.g., 公斤以内 (within ten kilograms).
  3. Rules and regulations: Frequently appears in formal or official contexts to define acceptable limits.

Collocations and patterns

Notes

  • 以内 always follows a noun or a measure word indicating the limit.
  • It is more formal and precise than just using ... or ....
  • Do not confuse 以内 with , which is a synonym but slightly more formal and literary.

Understanding 以内 helps learners express limits clearly and is essential for discussing deadlines, restrictions, and boundaries in everyday and professional contexts.

Example Sentences

Please complete this task within three days.

The company rules that employees who are late within five minutes will not

The weight of this package must be within ten kilograms.