Dictionary
English - Japanese

Unless

ənˈlɛs
Extremely common
900 - 1000
900 - 1000
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

〜しない限り, 〜でない限り, 〜しない限りは, 〜以外は

Unless meanings in Japanese

〜しない限り

Example:
I won't go unless you come.
あなたが来ない限り、私は行きません。
You won't succeed unless you try.
試さない限り、成功しません。
Usage: Both formal and informalContext: Used to indicate a condition that must be met for something to happen.
Note: This is the most common use of 'unless'. It establishes a negative condition.

〜でない限り

Example:
Unless it rains, we'll have a picnic.
雨が降らない限り、ピクニックをします。
You can't go out unless you finish your homework.
宿題を終わらせない限り、外に出られません。
Usage: Both formal and informalContext: Used in everyday conversation to set conditions.
Note: This form is similar to the first meaning but focuses on specific scenarios.

〜しない限りは

Example:
Unless you apologize, I won't forgive you.
謝らない限り、私はあなたを許しません。
He won't understand unless you explain it clearly.
明確に説明しない限り、彼は理解しません。
Usage: Both formal and informalContext: Used to emphasize the necessity of an action for a desired outcome.
Note: Often used to express a condition that is personal or emotional.

〜以外は

Example:
Unless we find another solution, we have to proceed.
他の解決策を見つけない限り、進めなければなりません。
You won't know unless you ask.
聞かない限り、分かりません。
Usage: Both formal and informalContext: Used in discussions or debates where alternatives are considered.
Note: This usage can imply a more formal context, such as business discussions.

Unless's synonyms

except

Except is used to introduce a statement that is an exception to a previous statement.
Example: I will go for a walk, except if it rains.
Note: Except is often used when presenting an exception to a general rule or condition.

without

Without indicates a condition that must be met for something to happen or be possible.
Example: I can't go to the party without an invitation.
Note: Without is used to show the absence of a particular thing or condition.

Unless expressions, common phrases

Unless otherwise

This phrase is used to indicate that a certain action is required unless there is a different instruction or condition.
Example: You must submit the report by Friday unless otherwise instructed by your manager.
Note: The addition of 'otherwise' introduces a condition or possibility that may change the requirement.

Unless stated otherwise

Similar to 'unless otherwise,' this phrase specifies that the default condition applies unless there is a different statement or provision.
Example: All items must be returned within 30 days unless stated otherwise in the rental agreement.
Note: It emphasizes the importance of a specific statement or instruction that could alter the default condition.

Unless noted otherwise

This phrase is used to highlight that a particular detail is significant and may change the usual expectation.
Example: The event will take place outdoors unless noted otherwise on the invitation.
Note: It emphasizes the importance of a specific notation or remark that can modify the initial assumption.

Unless specified otherwise

This phrase stresses the importance of a specific requirement or detail that could deviate from the usual condition.
Example: The dress code for the party is casual unless specified otherwise by the host.
Note: It underscores the need for a clear and explicit specification that may alter the default situation.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise

By using 'explicitly stated,' this phrase emphasizes the need for a direct and clear declaration that differs from the norm.
Example: All participants must attend the training session unless explicitly stated otherwise by the instructor.
Note: It highlights the necessity for a specific and unambiguous statement that could change the standard expectation.

Unless indicated otherwise

This phrase points out the significance of a particular indication or sign that may alter the general understanding.
Example: All prices are inclusive of taxes unless indicated otherwise on the receipt.
Note: It draws attention to a specific signal or marking that could modify the typical interpretation.

Unless expressly stated otherwise

By using 'expressly stated,' this phrase emphasizes the need for a clear and definite statement that could change the default condition.
Example: The warranty covers all parts for one year unless expressly stated otherwise in the terms and conditions.
Note: It stresses the importance of a specific and unequivocal declaration that may diverge from the usual agreement.

Unless everyday (slang) expressions

Until

In colloquial speech, 'until' can be used interchangeably with 'unless' to show that a certain event or condition must occur first.
Example: We won't know the answer until the test results are in.
Note: 'Until' typically refers to the time up to when a particular event happens, while 'unless' usually refers to a condition for something not happening.

Otherwise

Informally, 'otherwise' can function similarly to 'unless' in spoken English, indicating a consequence or condition that must be fulfilled.
Example: I won't go out tonight, otherwise I'll be too tired for the early meeting.
Note: While 'unless' provides an alternative condition for something not happening, 'otherwise' indicates the consequences if a certain condition is or isn't met.

But

'But' is used conversationally as a substitute for 'unless' to show a condition or exception that must be met for something to occur.
Example: You can play outside, but only if you finish your homework.
Note: While 'unless' highlights the condition for an action not taking place, 'but' presents a condition that needs to be satisfied for an action to happen.

Save

'Save' is occasionally used in informal speech as a replacement for 'unless' to introduce a condition or exception.
Example: We'll leave on time, save for any unforeseen delays on the road.
Note: In this context, 'save' is used less frequently than 'unless' and often in more specific or unusual situations.

Lacking

When used conversationally, 'lacking' can imply a condition where something is missing or inadequate without a particular action or element.
Example: The dish was lacking in flavor unless you added some seasoning.
Note: Unlike 'unless', 'lacking' focuses more on the deficiency or insufficiency of something rather than the condition under which it applies.

Unless - Examples

Unless you study hard, you won't pass the exam.
I won't go to the party unless my friend comes with me.
Unless it's an emergency, don't call me after 10 pm.

Unless grammar

Unless - Subordinating conjunction (Subordinating conjunction) / Preposition or subordinating conjunction (Preposition or subordinating conjunction)
Lemma: unless
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
unless Contains 2 syllables: un • less
Phonetic transcription: ən-ˈles
un less , ən ˈles (The red syllable is stressed)

Unless - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
unless: 900 - 1000 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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