JLPT N4 grammar

〜までmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. Until A; up to A; as far as A
  2. Even A

This point is also listed at N3.

How to form it

  • nounまで
  • verb (dictionary form)まで

How it is used

The end point of time, place or range: “until, as far as”; the action continues up to that point (for a deadline, use 「までに」). It also means “even”, adding an unexpected example.

Examples

  1. 水が腰まで来た。

    The water came up to my waist.

  2. 雨がやむまで、ここで待ちましょう。

    Let's wait here until the rain stops.

  3. その話を聞いて、いつもまじめな先生まで笑った。

    Hearing that story, even our usually serious teacher laughed.

  4. 日曜日は、昼まで寝ていました。

    On Sunday I slept until noon.