Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 2: 3/17

までEven, To even, To the extent of

Structure

Verb［る］+ まで(も)
Noun + まで(も)

Details

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    迄

About まで

The adverbial particle まで is used in the same way as many other adverbial particles, in that it is highlighting that the statement that comes after it as important in some way. However, unlike our first look at まで, which discussed its use as 'until', this use of まで has the nuance of 'even', or 'to the extent'. It can be used after verbs or nouns.

Although using まで as 'even' may seem different to 'until', they are essentially the same thing in Japanese. This is because まで always means '(A) まで, (B)', where (A) is the 'limitation/extent', and (B) is the 'noteworthy factor'. This 'noteworthy factor' will usually be a descriptive word/phrase, such as a verb, adjective, or explanation.

Fun Fact

The も particle is sometimes grouped together with まで, when the meaning is 'even'. This just adds emphasis to the fact that the event is somewhat surprising, or that the result is satisfying.

Related

Examples

--:--

    こっちまでイライラしてきた。

    Even I am starting to get annoyed. (to the extent・until)

    それまでやらなくてはいけないの？

    I have to even do that? (to the extent・until)

    頭(あたま)まで痛(いた)くなってきた。

    Even my head is starting to hurt. (to the extent・until)

    夜中(よなか)まで日本語(にほんご)の文法(ぶんぽう)を勉強(べんきょう)している。

    I'm studying Japanese grammar until the middle of the night. (to the extent・until)

    お腹(なか)が空(す)いているとき、熊(くま)は果実(かじつ)まで食(た)べる。

    Bears will even go as far as to eat berries when they are hungry. (to the extent・until)

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