JLPT N1 Grammar: ～に至るまで – Up Until / To The Point of / As Far As

In the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), you will encounter a variety of grammar structures that help express complex ideas. One such structure is ～に至るまで (ni itaru made), which is used to describe the extent or culmination of an event, action, or time period.

???? Meaning of ～に至るまで

This grammar structure is used to indicate that something has reached a particular point, extent, or level. The general meaning can be translated as:

• Up until…
• To the point of…
• As far as…
• Including up to…

It is used to show that something, usually a situation or event, has extended to a certain level or reached a significant milestone. This structure is often used to emphasize the extensiveness or culmination of an event or action, typically in formal contexts.

???? Structure

• [Noun] + に至るまで

The noun can represent time, location, or action, and the structure often highlights the extensive or final point of the event or action described.

⚠️ Important Notes

• This structure is commonly used in formal or written language.
• It emphasizes long or significant developments, often where something progresses or continues over time or space.
• The grammar is typically used to describe situations that are unexpected or extreme, where the development or action has reached a notable or dramatic point.
• It is not used for casual, everyday actions or events.

???? Examples

Example 1:

長年に渡る調査の結果、ついに彼の行方がわかった。
(Naganen ni wataru chōsa no kekka, tsuini kare no yukue ga wakatta.)
→ After many years of investigation, they finally discovered his whereabouts.

Example 2:

この問題は、数十年に至るまで解決されなかった。
(Kono mondai wa, sūjū-nen ni itaru made kaiketsu sare nakatta.)
→ This problem remained unresolved for decades.

Example 3:

その計画は、最終的にアメリカに至るまで広がった。
(Sono keikaku wa, saishū-teki ni Amerika ni itaru made hirogatta.)
→ The plan ultimately expanded to the point of reaching America.

Example 4:

彼女はその業界に至るまで、数々の困難を乗り越えてきた。
(Kanojo wa sono gyōkai ni itaru made, kazukazu no konnan o norikoete kita.)
→ She overcame many difficulties, even up to the point of entering that industry.

???? Similar Grammar Patterns

???? Usage Tips

• ～に至るまで is typically used to describe situations where something reaches a significant or extreme point.
• It is most commonly found in formal writing or reports, often related to business, research, or historical events.
• You can combine ～に至るまで with verbs such as 至る (reach, arrive at), 続く (continue), 広がる (expand), and others to convey a more detailed sense of progression or culmination.

???? Summary

???? Practice Time

To practice using ～に至るまで, try incorporating this structure into your sentences. Here are some prompts to help you get started:

• Describe a significant event that took many years to resolve or develop.
• Talk about a process or series of actions that led to a dramatic conclusion or result.
• Use this grammar to talk about a journey or an effort that took place over an extended period of time.

thuandao

I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.