Japanese grammar
What does ～までに mean? Japanese grammar N2
～までに means by…, at the latest; no later than… (a deadline).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N（point in time）+ までに Vる + までに |
| Romaji | madeni |
| Meaning | by…, at the latest; no later than… (a deadline) |
Forming it
| Noun | 五時 → 五時までに |
|---|---|
| Verb | 出発する → 出発するまでに |
How to use it
States the DEADLINE for an action that happens ONCE. Completely different from 「まで」 (a continuing action).
- 「までに」 = before that point in time: 「金曜日までに提出してください」 — submitting at any time is fine, as long as it's before Friday.
- Core comparison: 「五時まで働く」 (working continuously until 5 o'clock) ↔ 「五時までに帰る」 (going home before 5 o'clock). Choosing wrong is a classic N2 mistake.
- A clause attaches to the dictionary form: 「出発するまでに、荷物をまとめておく」.
Examples
レポートは金曜日までに提出してください。
Please submit the report by Friday.
出発するまでに、荷物をまとめておかなければならない。
I have to pack my luggage before departure.
Keep in mind
- A one-time action uses 「までに」; a continuous action uses 「まで」.
- A clause attaches to the dictionary form.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong五時までにここで働きます。
I work here until five o'clock.
Correct五時までここで働きます。
A continuous ongoing action uses 「まで」.
-
Wrong金曜日まで提出してください。
Please submit it before Friday.
Correct金曜日までに提出してください。
Submitting happens once, so 「までに」 must be used.
Exam tips
- 「までに」 = deadline (a one-time action); 「まで」 = continuing until then.