Japanese grammar
What does ～に至るまで mean? Japanese grammar N1
～に至るまで means all the way to; extending even to (the extreme case).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + に至るまで N から N に至るまで |
| Romaji | niitarumade |
| Meaning | all the way to; extending even to (the extreme case) |
Forming it
| Full range | 企画 + から + 販売後の支援 + に至るまで |
|---|---|
| A single endpoint | 細部 + に至るまで |
How to use it
Used to emphasize that a broad scope extends all the way to an endpoint, a deep detail, or a case the listener might not expect.
- 「～に至るまで」 marks the farthest point in a scope and highlights the idea "even that extreme is included". It commonly pairs with words denoting the whole, many kinds, or a chain of scope in the following clause.
- The form 「AからBに至るまで」 shows a range stretching from A to B. B is usually an emphatic endpoint, not simply an ordinary destination or deadline.
- Compared to 「～まで」, this pattern is more formal and emphasizes breadth or comprehensiveness. If it's just an ordinary destination like walking to the station, 「まで」 is more natural.
Examples
企画から販売後の支援に至るまで、すべて自社で担当している。
The company handles everything from planning through post-sales support.
その資料には、会議の経緯から参加者の細かな発言に至るまで記録されていた。
The document recorded everything from how the meeting unfolded down to the participants’ detailed remarks.
Keep in mind
- Common in writing, speeches, reports, and sentences that list a range.
- Can be used with abstract details such as 「考え方に至るまで」, not only with places or time.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong駅に至るまで歩きました。
I walked to the station.
Correct駅まで歩きました。
An ordinary destination should use 「まで」. 「に至るまで」 needs a context emphasizing a broad scope or a special endpoint.
-
Wrong企画に販売後の支援に至るまで、すべて自社で担当している。
From planning all the way to post-sales support, everything is handled by the company itself.
Correct企画から販売後の支援に至るまで、すべて自社で担当している。
When stating both the start and end of a range, use the frame 「AからBに至るまで」.
Exam tips
- Look for a start–end pair or an extreme detail; if the sentence only needs to point to a destination, 「まで」 usually fits better.