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Only; no choice but to
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-辞書形 + までだ' is used to indicate a necessary or logical action to take in a given situation. It implies a sense of resignation or practicality, suggesting that there is only one viable option. This pattern is often used in situations where the outcome is uncertain or undesirable, but a particular action is deemed necessary or unavoidable. For example, if someone is facing a difficult decision, they might say '給料が上がらないなら、別の仕事を探す______.' (If the salary doesn't increase, I'll have to look for another job) to indicate that they have no other choice but to do so.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-辞書形 | Verb base form (辞書形) + までだ | 食べるまでだ |
| V-連用形 | Verb conjunctive form (連用形) + までだ | 食べるまでだ |
| V-終止形 | Verb terminal form (終止形) + までだ | 食べるまでだ |
Examples
給料が上がらないなら、別の仕事を探す______。
Kyūryo ga agaranai nara, betsu no shigoto o sagasu______.
If the salary doesn't increase, I'll have to look for another job.
給料が上がらないなら (If the salary doesn't increase) + 別の仕事を探す (look for another job) + _____.
もし断られたら、諦める______。無理に頼むつもりはない。
Moshi danareta ra, akirameru______。muri ni tanomu tsukurou nai.
If I get rejected, I'll have to give up. I don't intend to beg.
もし断られたら (If I get rejected) + 諦める (give up) + _____.
誰も手伝ってくれないのなら、一人で______。
Dare mo teetsu teku re nara, hitori de______.
If no one helps me, I'll have to do it alone.
誰も手伝ってくれないのなら (If no one helps me) + 一人で (do it alone) + _____.
Context
This pattern is used to indicate a necessary or logical action to take in a given situation. It is often used in situations where the outcome is uncertain or undesirable, but a particular action is deemed necessary or unavoidable. The pattern is typically used in formal or polite language, and is not commonly used in casual conversation.
Watch out
V-ta + までだ is used to indicate that something has just been done, whereas V-辞書形 + までだ is used to indicate a necessary or logical action to take in a given situation.
The basic meaning of まで is 'until', but in this pattern, it is used to indicate a necessary or logical action to take in a given situation.
This pattern is used to indicate a necessary or logical action to take in a given situation, so it should only be used when there is only one viable option.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the verb form used in the sentence. If the verb is in the dictionary form, it is likely being used to indicate a necessary or logical action. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with V-ta + までだ or misinterpret it as 'until'.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-辞書形 + までだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
給料が上がらないなら、別の仕事を探すまでだ。
Pattern used: までだ
～までだ shows a simple logical conclusion or resignation: 'if X, then I'll just do Y'.
もし断られたら、諦めるまでだ。無理に頼むつもりはない。
Pattern used: までだ
The dictionary form is used for future decisions or logical consequences, not past actions.
誰も手伝ってくれないのなら、一人でやるまでだ。
Pattern used: やるまでだ
It conveys a firm, practical decision when no other help is available.
Interactive
給料が上がらないなら、別の仕事を探す______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.