Overview
The particle -까지 is used to indicate the end point or limit of a range. This range can be related to time, a physical location, or a quantity. It functions to specify the boundary up to which an action, state, or movement extends.
Usage
-까지 directly attaches to nouns to signify the conclusion of a particular span.
- Time: When attached to a time-related noun, it means "until" that specific time.
- Example: 밤 10시까지 (until 10 PM)
- Place: When attached to a place-related noun, it means "to" or "as far as" that location.
- Example: 서울 역까지 (to Seoul Station)
- Quantity/Extent: When attached to a number or a noun indicating extent, it means "up to" that amount or degree.
- Example: 100 개까지 (up to 100 items)
It often appears in conjunction with -부터 (from/starting point) to express a complete range, such as "from X to Y."
Conjugation Rules
-까지 is a particle and does not undergo any conjugation. It attaches directly to the preceding noun regardless of whether the noun ends in a consonant or a vowel.
Knowledge Plus
- Contrast with -부터: While -까지 marks the end point, -부터 marks the starting point. They are frequently used together to define a complete duration or distance, e.g., "오전 9시부터 오후 6시까지" (from 9 AM to 6 PM).
- Nuance of Inclusion: -까지 generally implies that the specified end point is included in the range. For instance, "9시까지" means "up to and including 9 o'clock."
- Distinction from 'even': Be aware that -까지 can also be used with the meaning of "even" (e.g., "아이까지 알아요" - Even a child knows). However, in this entry, we are focusing specifically on its function as an "end of range" indicator.