Processing keyword: ～てまで (〜te made)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～てまで (〜te made)
1. Introduction
The grammar pattern ～てまで (〜te made) is used in Japanese to express the idea of going to great lengths, even to the extent of doing something extreme or undesirable, to achieve a certain outcome. It often carries a connotation of surprise, criticism, or disapproval towards the extent of the action taken.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- English Equivalent: "Even to the point of doing...", "To the extent of...", "Even if it means..."
Structure
Verbて-form + まで
Formation Diagram
| Verb Dictionary Form | て-form | + まで |
|---|---|---|
| 遊ぶ (あそぶ) | 遊んで | まで |
| 食べる (たべる) | 食べて | まで |
| 嘘をつく (うそをつく) | 嘘をついて | まで |
Detailed Explanation
The pattern ～てまで is attached to the て-form of a verb, indicating that someone does something to an extreme degree, often beyond what is considered normal or acceptable, in order to achieve a certain goal. It highlights the lengths to which someone is willing to go, sometimes suggesting that the action is excessive or unnecessary.
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with ～までして (～made shite)
Both ～てまで and ～までして express doing something to an extreme extent, but there are subtle differences:
- ～てまで
- Focuses on the action itself.
- Emphasizes the degree to which one goes, often with a nuance of being excessive or questionable.
- ～までして
- Attaches directly to the noun or verb stem + までして.
- Often implies that the means used are extreme or underhanded. Example:
- 彼は借金をしてまで、ギャンブルを続けた。
- He continued gambling even to the extent of getting into debt.
- 彼は借金までして、ギャンブルを続けた。
- He continued gambling even going as far as borrowing money.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 健康を害してまで、仕事を優先するべきではない。
けんこうを がいしてまで、しごとを ゆうせんするべきではない。
- You shouldn't prioritize work to the extent of harming your health.
- 彼女は嘘をついてまで、自分の立場を守ろうとした。
かのじょは うそをついてまで、じぶんの たちばを まもろうとした。
- She tried to protect her position even to the point of telling lies.
- 親に反対されてまで、彼と結婚したい。
おやに はんたいされてまで、かれと けっこんしたい。
- I want to marry him even if it means being opposed by my parents.
- 徹夜してまで、そのプロジェクトを完成させた。
てつやしてまで、そのプロジェクトを かんせいさせた。
- I completed the project even by pulling an all-nighter.
- 命を危険にさらしてまで、冒険するつもりはない。
いのちを きけんにさらしてまで、ぼうけんするつもりはない。
- I have no intention of going on an adventure to the extent of risking my life.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, moderation and harmony are valued. Actions that go to extremes, especially those that disrupt social harmony or personal well-being, may be viewed negatively. Using ～てまで can imply that the action is beyond what is socially acceptable or advisable.
Levels of Politeness
The use of ～てまで is neutral in politeness but the context in which it's used can carry strong emotional or critical overtones. It's important to be mindful of the context and relationship between the speaker and listener.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 泣いてまで頼む
ないてまで たのむ
- To ask even to the extent of crying.
- 借金してまで買う
しゃっきんしてまで かう
- To buy something even if it means going into debt.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Common Mistake 1: Using まで without the て-form.
- Incorrect: 健康を害すまで仕事をする。
- Correct: 健康を害してまで仕事をする。 Common Mistake 2: Confusing ～てまで with ～までに (by the time).
- ～てまで: Indicates extent.
- ～までに: Indicates a deadline.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of "て (te)" as a connector meaning "do this action to such an extent", and "まで (made)" as "up to the point of".
- Practice: Create your own sentences using actions you consider extreme to reinforce understanding.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～てまで is used to express doing something extreme to achieve a goal.
- Formed by attaching まで to the て-form of a verb.
- Often carries a nuance of criticism or surprise.
Quick Recap Quiz
- What is the structure of ～てまで?
- Answer: Verbて-form + まで
- Translate the sentence: 彼は借金をしてまで、車を買った。
- Answer: He bought a car even to the extent of getting into debt.
- True or False: ～てまで can be used interchangeably with ～までに.
- Answer: False
Additional Practice
Try creating sentences using ～てまで about actions you might consider excessive or unnecessary in your own life.