Noun + まで
Until, Till, To (but no further than)
Structure
Noun + まで
Explanation
The particle まで indicates a limit or endpoint, carrying the general meaning of 'as far as'. Consequently, when it follows a noun that specifies a destination or a point in time (like a specific hour or day), it is commonly translated as 'until', 'till', or 'to'.
- 学校まで歩く。I'll walk to school. (To 'walk' until reaching the school, and then stop)
- ５時まで働く。I work until 5 o'clock.
With locations, まで functions in a way that is similar to に. It implies that a person or object travels 'to' a specific place and will proceed no further beyond that point.
- バス停まで走るよ。I'll run to the bus stop. (Until the bus stop is reached)
- 電車で東京に行く。I am going to Tokyo by train.
まで can also mark temporal endpoints in the past. In such cases, 'up until' is often the most natural English equivalent.
- 昨日の映画は１０時までだった。Yesterday's movie lasted up until 10 o'clock.
Examples
このバスはどこまで行きますか？
Until where does this bus go?
会議は５時までです。
The meeting is until 5 o'clock.
この展覧会は日曜日までです。
This exhibition is open until Sunday.
夜までゲームをしました。
I played video games until night.
９時まで、図書館で勉強する。
To study at the library until nine o'clock.
来年まで、日本にいます。
I will be in Japan until next year.
去年まで、学生でした。
I was a student until last year.
空港まで、タクシーに乗る。
To ride in a taxi until the airport.
水曜日まで、返事を待ちます。
I will wait for a reply until Wednesday.
お昼まで、店は静かです。
The shop is quiet until noon.
昨日まで、天気が良かった。
The weather was good until yesterday.
来週まで、旅行します。
I will be traveling until next week.
お店は何時まで開いていますか。
Until what time is the shop open?