JLPT N5-N3 reference
から・まで: starting and ending boundariesから・まで ・ Kara, made
The particles から and まで define boundaries. They can mark time or place independently, and から also introduces a reason.
Range boundaries
| Particle | Boundary | Example |
|---|---|---|
| から | starting point: from | 九時から働きます。 I work from nine. |
| まで | endpoint: until / as far as | 五時まで働きます。 I work until five. |
| から … まで | full range: from … to | 東京から京都まで from Tokyo to Kyoto |
授業は月曜日から金曜日までです。Jugyō wa getsuyōbi kara kin-yōbi made desu.Classes are from Monday through Friday.
They can appear separately
A sentence does not need both particles. Use only the boundary that matters.
駅まで歩きましょう。Eki made arukimashō.Let us walk as far as the station.
来月から新しい仕事を始めます。Raigetsu kara atarashii shigoto o hajimemasu.I will start a new job next month.
Reason with から
After a plain or polite clause, から gives the speaker’s reason. It is more direct and conversational than some alternatives.
雨ですから、傘を持っていきます。Ame desu kara, kasa o motte ikimasu.Because it is raining, I will take an umbrella.
Combinations and emphasis
Both can combine with inclusion or topic marking: ここからも見えます “you can see it from here too,” and 五時までは待ちます “I will wait until five, at least.”
Common errors
- まで marks an inclusive endpoint; までに means “by” a deadline.
- Do not confuse starting-point から with reason-giving clause + から.
- Use に with an arrival point when the endpoint itself is the target: 駅に着きます。
Quick summary
- から marks an origin or starting boundary.
- まで marks an endpoint or outer limit.
- They can appear together or independently.
- までに is a deadline, not duration until a time.