The Japanese particle まで (made) marks an endpoint. Depending on the sentence, it means “until,” “up to,” or “as far as.” Use it with a time, place, number, or other limit. For a deadline meaning “by [a time],” Japanese often uses までに (made ni) instead.
まで (made) = until, up to, or as far as. までに (made ni) = by a deadline.
What Does Made Mean in Japanese?
The particle まで (made) marks the endpoint or extent of something. Its English translation changes with context: it can mean “until” for time and “as far as” for a destination.
Different Uses of Made
まで (Made) with Time: “Until”
Put まで after a time to show when an activity ends. In 五時まで働きます, the speaker works until five o’clock. The particle itself does not change; the context makes clear that the time is an endpoint.
まで with Places: “As Far As”
After a location, まで marks the destination or extent of travel. 駅まで歩きます means “I walk as far as the station.” The particle に can follow まで in some sentences, but it is not needed in this basic example.
Meaning: How far is it from here to the station?
までに (Made ni): “By” a Deadline
Use までに when an action must be completed no later than a particular time. Compare 五時まで働きます (“I work until five”) with 五時までに来てください (“Please come by five”).
Ranges and Extent
まで can mark the end of a range, such as 月曜日から金曜日まで (“from Monday through Friday”). When both a starting point and endpoint are named, から marks “from” and まで marks “to” or “through.”
Made vs. Made ni
| Form | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| まで | endpoint or extent | 五時まで (until five) |
| までに | deadline for completion | 五時までに (by five) |
Pronunciation
Made is pronounced with two even morae, ma-de. Keep the vowels short and clear. The particle follows the time, place, or limit it marks.
Example Sentences
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 月曜日から金曜日まで | from Monday through Friday |
| 夜まで待ちます | I will wait until evening |
| 明日までに提出してください | Please submit it by tomorrow |
Frequently Asked Questions About Made in Japanese
Tap a question below to see the answer.
What is the difference between made and made ni?
まで marks an endpoint, such as “until five.” までに marks a deadline, “by five.”
Can made refer to a place?
Yes. After a location, it can mean “as far as” or indicate the extent of a trip.
Summary: Made in Japanese
まで (made) marks an endpoint in time, distance, or extent. Use までに (made ni) when you mean “by” a deadline.
