Translation guide
The English phrase 'up to' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: indicating a maximum limit, expressing responsibility or choice, describing an activity (often suspicious), and being as good as something. Each meaning has different natural Japanese equivalents.
Expressing 'as much as' or 'no more than' a certain number, amount, or extent.
Attached to a noun or number to mean 'up to (that point/amount)'. Very common and versatile.
このエレベーターは10人まで乗れます。
This elevator can carry up to 10 people.
明日までにレポートを提出してください。
Please submit the report by tomorrow (up to tomorrow).
Prefix meaning 'maximum' or 'up to'. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
最大10万円の罰金が科せられます。
A fine of up to 100,000 yen may be imposed.
Means 'reaches up to'. Used for amounts or levels, often in news or reports.
被害額は数億円に達する見込みです。
The damage is expected to reach up to several hundred million yen.
Indicating that a decision or action depends on someone ('it's up to you').
Attached to a noun to mean 'depends on ~' or 'is up to ~'. Formal but very common.
成功は努力次第です。
Success is up to your effort.
行くかどうかは天気次第だ。
Whether we go or not is up to the weather.
Means 'leave it up to (someone)'. Used when entrusting a decision.
どのレストランにするかはあなたに任せるよ。
It's up to you which restaurant we choose.
Common phrase meaning 'it's up to you'. Can sound direct; use with care.
今夜の計画はあなた次第だよ。
Tonight's plans are up to you.
Describing what someone is doing, often implying mischief or secrecy ('What are you up to?').
Standard way to ask 'What are you doing?'. Can imply 'What are you up to?' depending on tone.
こっそり何をしているの？
What are you up to secretly?
Directly means 'What are you plotting/scheming?'. Stronger implication of mischief.
また何か企んでるんでしょ？
You're up to something again, aren't you?
Expressing that someone or something meets a standard or is capable of a task ('up to the job').
Means 'able to withstand' or 'up to (a standard)'. Formal.
この製品は厳しいテストに耐えうる品質です。
This product is of a quality up to rigorous testing.
Means 'worthy of' or 'up to (a standard/position)'.
彼はその仕事にふさわしい人物だ。
He is a person up to the job.
Simple potential form meaning 'can do'. Used for 'up to doing something' in casual contexts.
彼はまだ運転できる状態じゃない。
He's not up to driving yet.
Do not translate 'up to' word-for-word. The Japanese equivalents depend entirely on the intended meaning. For example, 'up to you' is not 'あなたの上に' but 'あなた次第' or '任せる'.