Japanese grammar
What does ～までに (deadline) mean? Japanese grammar N4
～までに (deadline) means by ~ (deadline), no later than ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N までに V V (dictionary form) までに V |
| Romaji | ~ made ni |
| Meaning | by ~ (deadline), no later than ~ |
Forming it
| Verb | V (dictionary form) + までに |
|---|---|
| Noun (time) | N + までに |
How to use it
States the DEADLINE for a one-time action; the exact moment within that period doesn't matter.
- までに = DEADLINE. The action happens only ONCE, at any time as long as it's before that point: 「五時までに帰ります」= go home before 5 o'clock (could be 3 or 4, as long as it's not later than 5).
- Directly opposite to まで (continuous): 「五時まで待ちます」= wait CONTINUOUSLY until 5 o'clock ↔ 「五時までに帰ります」= go home BEFORE 5 o'clock. Vietnamese speakers translate both the same way in their native language, making this one of the most persistent mistakes at N4.
- Quick check: can the verb at the end of the sentence be extended over time? 待つ・働く・勉強する are ongoing → まで. 出す・帰る・着く・電話する happen in an instant → までに.
- までに can also attach after a verb in dictionary form: 「日本へ行くまでにひらがなを覚えます」(I will memorize hiragana before going to Japan).
Examples
このレポートは金曜日までに出してください。
Please submit this report by Friday.
母が帰るまでに部屋を掃除します。
I will clean the room before my mother gets home.
何時までに空港に着けばいいですか。
By what time should I arrive at the airport?
Keep in mind
- Commonly used phrases: 何時までに (by what time at the latest), いつまでに (by when).
- までに fits contexts of requests/tasks: 出してください・終わらせてください・連絡してください.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong五時までに待ってください。
Please wait until five o'clock.
Correct五時まで待ってください。
待つ is an ONGOING action → use まで. までに is only used for a one-time action (deadline).
-
Wrong金曜日まで宿題を出します。
I will submit the homework before Friday.
Correct金曜日までに宿題を出します。
出す happens ONCE → use までに. The wrong sentence sounds like "continuously submitting the assignment all the way until Friday".
-
Wrong母が帰ったまでに部屋を掃除します。
I will clean the room before my mother comes home.
Correct母が帰るまでに部屋を掃除します。
Before までに, use the dictionary form; do not conjugate into the past.
Exam tips
- N4 exams almost always have one まで/までに question — decide using the verb: ongoing or one-time.