At a glance
～までに means "by" or "by the time". It sets a deadline: the action happens at some point before that time.
[Verb dictionary form] ＋ までに
[Time / event noun] ＋ までに
5時までに駅に来てください。 Please come to the station by 5 o'clock.
How to form it
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Time noun | noun + までに | 金曜日までに "by Friday" |
| Event noun | noun + までに | 試験までに "by the exam" |
| Verb | dictionary form + までに | 始まるまでに "by the time it starts" |
までに itself does not change. Politeness is shown at the end of the sentence.