Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Time ranges with から and まで
から marks the starting point and まで marks the ending point. You will see these two words often in schedules, class times, work hours, and daily routines.
Target signal
九時から五時まで働きます。
I work from nine to five.
A full time range uses both から and まで.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- ます
- polite verb ending
- まで
- until; up to
Compare in context
月曜日から金曜日まで学校があります。
There is school from Monday to Friday.
Days of the week can form the same kind of range.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- 月曜日
- Monday
- 金曜日
- Friday
Compare in context
七時から勉強します。
I study from seven.
The endpoint can be omitted when only the starting point matters.
Vocabulary notes
- 勉強します
- study
- します
- do
- から
- from; because
Section 2 of 3
Place ranges with から and まで
The same pair works for movement in space. When you read a sentence with から and まで, ask where the movement starts and where it ends.
Target signal
駅からうちまで歩きます。
I walk from the station to my home.
This is the classic beginner route sentence.
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
- から
- from; because
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
学校から図書館まで行きます。
I go from school to the library.
You can also show movement between two familiar places.
Vocabulary notes
- 行きます
- go
- 図書館
- library
- から
- from; because
Preview
うちから公園まで歩きます。
I walk from my home to the park.
The destination can also be a nearby place in town.
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
- から
- from; because
- ます
- polite verb ending
Section 3 of 3
Reading schedules and short answers
In signs and schedules, から and まで may appear in very short sentences. Read them as range markers first before you try to translate the whole sentence.
Target signal
学校は八時からです。
School starts at eight.
A short schedule sentence may show only the starting time.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- 八時
- eight o'clock
Preview
店は五時までです。
The shop is open until five.
A shop sign may show only the closing time.
Vocabulary notes
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- まで
- until; up to
- 五時
- five o’clock
Preview
A: 何時からですか。 B: 九時からです。
A: What time does it start? B: From nine.
Short answers often repeat only the range marker and time.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- 九時
- nine o'clock