XはYです

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Here are the key points of this lesson: Omission of the subject (Xは) Using 'は' for clarity Nouns in Japanese” Omission of the subject (Xは) In Japanese, sentences often omit subjects when the context makes them clear, unlike in English where subjects like "I" or "it" are typically included.  For example, "I am a student," "My major is Japanese language," and "It is 12:30" translate into Japanese as "がくせいです," "にほんごです," and "12じはんです," respectively, without direct subjects. Using 'は' for clarity If the context doesn't provide clarity, Japanese sentences can start with a topic marked by "wa" (は in hiragana), indicating "As for X, it is Y.” For example,  “わたしは がくせいです" (As for me, I am a student), “せんこうは にほんごです" (As for my major, it is Japanese language), and "じかんは12じはんです" (As for the current time, it is 12:30). The particle "wa" (は), used to denote ...
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"Navigating Japanese Time: The Distinct Uses of 'まで' and 'までに

Navigating Japanese Time: The Distinct Uses of 'まで' and 'までに


Introduction

Confused about using "まで" and "までに" in Japanese? You're not alone! These words can be used to talk about time, places, and extent (like level and amounts). But in this blog, we will only look at how they are used with time because many Japanese learners find it confusing. Understanding this will help you plan and schedule better in Japanese. Ready to learn? Let's start.


Understanding "まで" and "までに"

Let's look at how these phrases are used with time:

"まで" (made): This means up to a certain time. It talks about how long something goes on but doesn't talk about ending it by a certain time.

Examples:

  • 9時まで勉強します (Ku-ji made benkyō suru) – I will study until nine o'clock.
  • 昼休みは午後1時までです (Hiruyasumi wa gogo ichi-ji made desu) – The lunch break is until 1 PM.

"までに" (made ni): This is used when something needs to be finished by a certain time. It's like a deadline.

Examples:

  • 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 repōto o teishutsu shite kudasai) – Please submit the report by tomorrow morning.
  • 五時までに家を出ます (Go-ji made ni ie/uchi o demasu) – I will leave the house by five o’clock.

When to Use "まで" and "までに"

Choosing between "まで" and "までに" can make your sentences clearer:

Use "まで" when talking about how long something lasts.

Use "までに" when something needs to be done by a certain time.


Example of Right and Wrong:

  • Wrong: ここで、3時までに待っています。(Koko de, san-ji made ni matte imasu.) –I am waiting here until 3 o’clock (incorrect with “までに").
  • Right: ここで、3時まで待っています。(Koko de, san-ji made matte imasu.) – I am waiting here until 3 o’clock.

In the sentence "ここで、3時までに待っています。", using "までに" suggests that you have to finish waiting by 3 o'clock, which doesn't make sense because waiting is not an action that you 'complete' like a task or an assignment. It's an ongoing state until a certain time.

The correct phrase should be "ここで、3時まで待っています。(Koko de, san-ji made matte imasu.)" This correctly translates to "I am waiting here until 3 o’clock." Here, "まで" (made) is correctly used to indicate that you will continue to wait until the time reaches 3 o'clock, but you are not under pressure to 'complete' waiting by then.


Special Use of "までに"

"までに" can also be part of a set phrase like "参考までに" (sankō made ni), which means "for your reference." This doesn't talk about a deadline or time.


Example:

参考までにお送りします。(Sankō made ni o-okuri shimasu.) – I will send it for your reference.


Conclusion: Learning About Time in Japanese

Knowing the difference between "まで" and "までに" makes your Japanese clearer. Don't worry if it's hard at first. Practice, and you'll get better at using these words correctly.

Location: Japan

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