まで

until, up to

The particle まで indicates a limit, whether it be a time, place, or condition that is reached or has an ending.

N5

Meaning

until, up to

The particle まで indicates a limit, whether it be a time, place, or condition that is reached or has an ending.

Formation

Noun + まで
Verb (plain form) + まで

Explanation

まで is a particle used in the Japanese language to denote a limit or endpoint. It can be applied in various contexts, including:

  • Time: Indicating the end of a time period.
  • Location: Showing the limit of a place.
  • Conditions: Referring to reaching a certain condition.

For example, if someone says '学校[がっこう]まで行[い]きます', it means 'I will go up to the school.' or 'I will go until the school.' This indicates that the action of going has a defined endpoint at the school.

In a temporal sense, if someone states '午後[ごご]5時[じ]まで働[はた]きます', it means 'I will work until 5 PM.' Here, まで helps to clarify the time limit of their working hours.