まで
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Marks a temporal endpoint: an action or state continues up to that time. Often used with から for a range.
The meeting will continue until 5 o'clock.
Yesterday I studied until late at night.
2
usually written using kana alone
Marks a spatial endpoint or destination: movement or extent reaches that place or person.
It's a 10-minute walk to the station.
Does this bus go as far as the airport?
4
usually written using kana alone
Used in set expressions like ~までだ or ~までのことだ to mean 'it's just that' or 'merely', often implying a limited or resigned conclusion.
I just checked to be sure, that's all.
If I can't do it, I'll just give up.
Usage patterns
- 〈時〉から〈時〉までfrom (time) until (time)
I work from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- 〈場所〉まで〈動詞〉to go/reach as far as a place
I walked as far as the station.
- 〈事〉までして〈動詞〉to go so far as to do (something extreme) in order to do something
He went so far as to take out a loan to buy a car.
- 〈動詞〉までだit's just that ~; merely (doing something)
It's just that I thought so.