Verb たら きりがない
Verb tara kiri ga nai
Formation
Verb-た form + ら + きりがない
Indicates an endless or unending cycle once an action is started; 'if one starts doing something, it will not stop.'
When to use
たらきりがない: once you start, there is no end. Same as ば / と きりがない.
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.
Example sentences
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。
If I fix this engine, it breaks again, and if I fix it again, it never ends.
Kono enjin o shuuri shitara, mata sugu kowarete, naoshitara kiri ga nai.
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Once I start drinking, I never stop.
Nomihajimetara kiri ga nai.
-
If I lend her money, there will be no end to it.
Kanojo ni okane o kashitara, kiri ga nai.
-
Once you start listening to his stories, it never ends.
Kare no hanashi o kikihajimetara kiri ga nai.