Meaning
This pattern indicates doing something unusual or extreme, typically things one wouldn't normally do, in order to achieve a certain objective. It conveys the speaker's surprise or amazement at the extent someone will go. The pattern expresses that someone will take drastic measures, showing strong determination or desperation. It's typically followed by verbs expressing intention, judgment, or action.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞(て形) | まで |
Examples
-
ダイエットを飲まなくて薬を飲んでまで、彼女はやせたいと思っている。
She wants to lose weight so badly that she's even taking diet pills. -
彼はギャンブルのせいで仕事を失くしたばかりなのに、借金してまでまたギャンブルをして、本当に救いようがないね。
He lost his job because of gambling, yet he's borrowing money just to gamble again—he's truly hopeless. -
確かにこれは君のミスだ。ただ、仕事をやめてまで責任を取る必要はないだろう。
It's true this was your mistake. However, there's no need to go so far as to resign from your job to take responsibility.
Summary
- Used with te-form verbs to show extreme actions taken to achieve a goal
- Expresses the speaker's surprise or amazement at how far someone will go
- Indicates doing something unusual or unthinkable, showing determination or desperation