How to Say ‘By (deadline)’ in Japanese
までに
made ni
[mah-deh nee]
💬 Usage Tip: [までに] indicates a deadline: “by (that time), at the latest.” Example: [三時までに終わらせます] (“I’ll finish by 3.”).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Deadlines are often stated with [までに] in workplaces and schools, and being clear about it is appreciated.
Phrase Breakdown
まで
made
[mah-deh]
until; up to
In までに, まで sets the limit and に makes it 'by (a deadline).' Means it must be done before that time.
三時までに来てください。
Please come by three o’clock.
に
ni
[nee]
by; by the time; to; at
With まで, に turns it into a deadline marker: 〜までに = 'by ~ (deadline).'
三時までに終わります。
It will finish by three o’clock.
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