The library is open until 10 (Up to / Until)

The particle ~까지 is attached to nouns to mark the end point or limit of a certain range, whether it's time, space, or a sequence. It translates to "to", "until", "up to", or "by".

Meaning & Usage

Meaning: It indicates the final point in a range. This can be a physical destination (서울까지 - to Seoul), a deadline (5시까지 - until 5 o'clock), or a scope (10페이지까지 - up to page 10).

When to use: Use it when you need to specify a boundary. It's essential for talking about travel plans, setting deadlines, or describing the scope of an activity. It answers the questions "How far?" (어디까지?) or "Until when?" (언제까지?).

Conjugation Rules

Rule: ~까지 is incredibly simple. You just attach it directly to a time or place noun, regardless of whether the noun ends in a vowel or a consonant.

Noun + 까지

~까지 is frequently paired with other particles and adverbs to create more detailed expressions about ranges.

From A to B: ~부터 ~까지

Context: This is one of the most common and useful combinations in Korean. It sets a clear start and end point. ~부터 means "from" or "starting at", and ~까지 means "to" or "until".

Example: 월요일부터 금요일까지 일해요. (I work from Monday to Friday.) / 집에서 회사까지 1시간 걸려요. (It takes 1 hour from home to work.)

Emphasizing the Limit: ~까지만

Context: Adding the particle ~만 ("only" or "just") after ~까지 emphasizes that the action will not go beyond that point. It adds a nuance of "just up to this point, and no further."

Example: 오늘은 100페이지까지만 읽을 거예요. (Today, I'm going to read just up to page 100.) / 너무 피곤하니까 한강대교까지만 가자. (I'm so tired, so let's just go up to Hangang Bridge.)

~부터 ~까지 = From ~ to ~ / ~까지만 = Just up to ~

The particle ~까지 is versatile, but its meaning depends heavily on the verb you pair it with. Using the right verb is key to sounding natural and avoiding confusion.

Verbs for Time (언제까지, 몇 시까지)