The まで particle is a versatile particle used in Japanese to indicate a range of things, such as time, place, or extent. Here are some examples of how the まで particle is used:
Indicating Time:
The まで particle is often used to indicate the time by which something will happen or be completed. It is similar to the English expression “by” or “until”. For example:
明日の朝までにレポートを提出してください。(Ashita no asa made ni repooto o teishutsu shite kudasai.)
Please submit the report by tomorrow morning.毎日午後8時まで働いています。(Mainichi hachi-ji made hataraiteimasu.)
I work until 8 p.m. every day.
Indicating Place:
The まで particle can also be used to indicate the place up to which someone or something will go. It is similar to the English expression “as far as”. For example:
駅まで送ってください。(Eki made okutte kudasai.)
Please take me as far as the station.山の頂上まで登るつもりです。(Yama no choujou made noboru tsumori desu.)
I intend to climb as far as the summit of the mountain.
Indicating Extent:
The まで particle can also be used to indicate the extent of something, such as a range of numbers, amounts, or quantities. It is similar to the English expression “up to” or “as much as”. For example:
100万円までなら買えます。(Hyakuman-en made nara kaemasu.)
I can buy it up to 1 million yen.
Expressing Surprise:
The まで particle can also be used to express surprise, emphasizing the extent of something that goes beyond what was expected. For example:
彼は電話で涙まで流していた。(Kare wa denwa de namida made nagashite ita.)
He was even crying on the phone.
In conclusion, the まで particle is a versatile particle used in Japanese to indicate a range of things, such as time, place, or extent. Its usage can vary depending on the context and relationship between the speaker and listener.