Japanese grammar
What does ～まで mean? Japanese grammar N3
～まで means until…; up to….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + まで Vる + まで |
| Romaji | made |
| Meaning | until…; up to… |
Forming it
| Time | 10時 → 10時まで |
|---|---|
| Place | 東京 → 東京まで |
| Clause | 終わる → 終わるまで |
How to use it
States the ENDING point of a continuous, ongoing action — in terms of time, place, or scope.
- 「まで」 goes with a CONTINUOUS action: 「10時まで働く」「終わるまで待つ」. The clause before 「まで」 is always in the dictionary form even when talking about the past.
- Distinguish it from 「までに」 (the deadline for a ONE-TIME action): 「10時までに来てください」 (please come by 10 o'clock) — 「まで」 would be wrong in this sentence.
- Also has the meaning "even…" (emphasizing an extreme degree): 「子どもまで知っている」.
Examples
毎日、10時まで働いています。
I work until ten every day.
雨がやむまで、ここで待ちましょう。
Let's wait here until the rain stops.
Keep in mind
- For a one-time action with a deadline, use 「までに」.
- The clause before 「まで」 uses the dictionary form.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong5時まで書類を出してください。
Please submit the documents by 5 o'clock.
Correct5時までに書類を出してください。
A one-time action with a deadline uses 「までに」.
-
Wrong雨がやんだまで待った。
I waited until the rain stopped.
Correct雨がやむまで待った。
Before 「まで」 use the dictionary form, even when the whole sentence is in the past.
Exam tips
- 「まで」 = until (continuous action); a one-time deadline uses 「までに」.