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Until / as far as
Definition
まで is a grammatical particle used to indicate the endpoint or extent of a time, space, or action. It emphasizes the boundary or limit of something, and is often used in conjunction with から (from) to express a range or duration. For example, 9時から5時まで (from 9 o'clock to 5 o'clock) emphasizes the endpoint of the time range. When used with a verb, まで indicates the extent or limit of the action, such as 仕事をしてまで (working until).
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb form | Verb + まで | 働きますまで (working until) |
| Time phrase | Time phrase + まで | 9時まで (until 9 o'clock) |
| Location phrase | Location phrase + まで | 駅まで (as far as the station) |
Examples
毎日9時から5時まで働きます。
Mainichi 9-ji kara 5-ji made hatarakuimasu.
I work from 9 o'clock to 5 o'clock every day.
毎日 (every day), 9時から (from 9 o'clock), 5時まで (until 5 o'clock)
ここから駅まで歩いて10分です。
Koko kara eki made aruite 10-fun desu.
It takes 10 minutes to walk from here to the station.
ここから (from here), 駅まで (as far as the station), 歩いて (walking)
友だちが来るまで、本を読みます。
Tomodachi ga kuru made, hon o yomimasu.
I will read a book until my friend comes.
友だちが来るまで (until my friend comes), 本を読みます (will read a book)
Context
まで is used to indicate the endpoint or extent of a time, space, or action. It is often used in conjunction with から (from) to express a range or duration. In formal writing, まで is used to indicate the extent or limit of an action, while in informal writing, it is used to indicate the endpoint of a time or space.
Watch out
まで and に are often confused because they both indicate a boundary or limit, but まで emphasizes the endpoint or extent, while に indicates the destination or location.
Forgetting to pair から with まで can result in a sentence that does not clearly express a range or duration.
Using まで with a verb in the wrong tense can result in a sentence that does not clearly express the extent or limit of the action.
Strategy
When using まで in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it correctly to indicate the endpoint or extent of a time, space, or action. Pay attention to the context and the verb tense to ensure that まで is used correctly.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows まで used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
毎日9時から5時まで働きます。
Pattern used: まで
まで marks the endpoint of the time range. から...まで means 'from...until'. I work from 9 to 5 every day.
ここから駅まで歩いて10分です。
Pattern used: まで
まで marks the spatial endpoint. ここから駅まで means 'from here to the station'. It emphasizes the distance/extent.
友だちが来るまで、本を読みます。
Pattern used: まで
Verb + まで means 'until (the action happens)'. I'll read a book until my friend comes. から would mean 'because' or 'from (that point on)'.
Interactive
毎日9時から5時______働きます。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.