The Difference betweenまで (made) vs までに (made ni)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)

Joy studying until 5:00 [Made] vs. Joy submitting by 5:00 [Made ni])

“I will wait until 5:00.”
“I will finish by 5:00.”
In Japanese, just adding “ni” changes the meaning completely. 「まで (Made)」 is for continuous actions, and 「までに (Made ni)」 is for deadlines. If you mix them up, you might miss an important appointment! Let’s learn with Joy and Ken.

🗣 Conversation Scene

Joy has a report due tomorrow.

Joy

ケンさん、レポートは金曜日まで出（だ）します！
頑張ります！
(Ken, I will submit the report “continuously until” Friday! I’ll do my best!)

Ken

えっ？金曜日まで「ずっと」出し続けるんですか？(笑)
それを言うなら、金曜日までにですね。
(Eh? You will keep submitting it “continuously” until Friday? haha. You mean “by” Friday.)

💡 Explanation

Is the action continuous? Or is it a deadline?

Point 1: まで (Made) = Until

Meaning: Continuity / Duration
The action continues non-stop until that time. Use with verbs that represent a state or ongoing action.

3時まで待ちます。
(I will wait [continuously] until 3:00.)
朝まで寝ました。
(I slept [continuously] until morning.)
働く、勉強する、いる (Work, Study, Stay)

Point 2: までに (Made ni) = By / Before

Meaning: Deadline / Time Limit
The action happens once (or finishes) at some point before the deadline. Use with “instant” verbs.

3時までに終わります。
(I will finish by 3:00 [It could be at 2:50 or 2:55].)
金曜日までに出してください。
(Please submit it by Friday.)
帰る、決める、送る (Go home, Decide, Send)

📊 Comparison Table

Particle	Key Nuance	Typical Verbs
まで (Made)	Until (Continuous) ➡️	Wait, Sleep, Work, Study
までに (Made ni)	By (Deadline) 🛑	Finish, Submit, Arrive, Return

🚧 Joy’s Mistake

(Joy tells the teacher about her homework)

❌ Wrong: 先生、明日まで出します。
(Translation: “Teacher, I will keep submitting it continuously until tomorrow.” This is impossible! You only hand it over once.)

✅ Right: 先生、明日までに出します。
(Translation: “Teacher, I will submit it by tomorrow.” This sets a deadline.)