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.
This elevator can carry up to 10 people.
Please submit the report by tomorrow (up to tomorrow).
Prefix meaning 'maximum' or 'up to'. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
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.
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.
Success is up to your effort.
Whether we go or not is up to the weather.
Means 'leave it up to (someone)'. Used when entrusting a decision.
Common phrase meaning 'it's up to you'. Can sound direct; use with care.
Describing what someone is doing, often implying mischief or secrecy ('What are you up to?').
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.
This product is of a quality up to rigorous testing.
Means 'worthy of' or 'up to (a standard/position)'.
He is a person up to the job.
Simple potential form meaning 'can do'. Used for 'up to doing something' in casual contexts.
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'.
It's up to you which restaurant we choose.
Tonight's plans are up to you.
You're up to something again, aren't you?