Time/Event + までに

[By (Deadline)]

Connection: Time/Event + までに

This pattern indicates a deadline—"by" a certain time or event. The action must be completed by that point.

KEY DIFFERENCE from まで:

• まで = "until" (duration, continuation): 5時まで働く (work until 5 o'clock—continuously working)
• までに = "by" (deadline, completion point): 5時までに来る (come by 5 o'clock—arrive before or at 5)

まで focuses on the continuation of an action or state, while までに focuses on the completion of an action before a deadline.

Examples:

明日までにレポートを出してください。(Please submit the report by tomorrow.)

6時までに帰ります。(I'll return by 6 o'clock.)

来週の金曜日までに決めなければなりません。(We must decide by next Friday.)