まで
Even, To even, To the extent of
Structure
Noun + まで(も)
Explanation
The adverbial particle まで acts much like other particles of its type, in that it draws attention to the statement that follows it as being particularly noteworthy. However, moving beyond the meaning of 'until', this usage of まで carries the nuance of 'even' or 'to the point of'. It can be used following both nouns and verbs.
- ズルをしてまで勝ちたくない。I wouldn't go so far as to cheat to win.
- とても疲れていて、自分の名前まで忘れてしまった。I was so tired I even forgot my own name.
While 'even' might appear distinct from 'until', they stem from the same core concept in Japanese. まで consistently establishes a limit or an extreme point (A), which results in a remarkable or unexpected outcome (B). This 'remarkable outcome' is usually a descriptive element like a verb, an adjective, or some form of explanation.
- 猫まで飼っているの？You even have a cat?
- 雨が降り出して、先生までぬれてしまった。When it started raining, even the teacher got wet.
Fun Fact
The particle も can be attached to まで when it means 'even'. This combination adds extra emphasis, highlighting that the action was surprising or that the outcome was especially gratifying.
- 社長はボーナスまでも出してくれた。The company president even gave me a bonus.
Examples
彼のせいで、私まで悲しくなってきた。
Because of him, even I have started to feel sad. (to the extent・until)
窓まで掃除しなくてはいけないんですか。
Do I have to clean even the windows? (to the extent・until)
お腹が痛くなって、腰まで痛くなってきた。
My stomach started hurting, and now even my back has started to ache. (to the extent・until)
朝まで本を読んでいました。
I was reading a book until morning. (to the extent・until)
あの犬は賢くて、新聞まで持ってくる。
That dog is so smart, it even brings in the newspaper. (to the extent・until)
人をだましてまで成功したくはない。
I don't want to succeed by going as far as deceiving people. (even...to the extent of・until)
先生のおかげで、ここまで頑張れました。
Thanks to my teacher, I was able to persevere up to this point. (to this extent・until)
うちの子は、難しい計算までできる。
My child can even do difficult calculations. (to the extent・until)
彼は家を建てただけじゃなくて、家具まで自分で作った。
Not only did he build a house, he even made the furniture himself. (to the extent・until)
彼女は猫が好きで、猫柄の靴下まで持っている。
She loves cats so much that she even has cat-patterned socks. (to the extent・until)
プレゼントまで買わなくてもいいですよ。
You don't have to go so far as to buy a present. (to the extent・until)
好きだけど、一番だとまでは言えない。
I like it, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it's the best. (even...to the extent of・until)