Translation guide
Expresses that something has been true or has continued from a past point until the present moment. Japanese uses several adverbial phrases and patterns, with nuances of formality and focus.
To state that a situation or action has continued from some point in the past up to the present.
The most common and neutral way to say 'up to now'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
今まで何をしていましたか。
What have you been doing up to now?
今までこの問題に気づかなかった。
I hadn't noticed this problem up to now.
Similar to 今まで, but slightly more formal or written. Often used in speeches or formal contexts.
これまでのご支援に感謝します。
Thank you for your support up to now.
Emphasizes 'so far' or 'as of now', often implying that the situation may change. Common in both speech and writing.
今までのところ、問題はありません。
Up to now, there have been no problems.
To highlight that something was true until now, but a change has occurred or is expected.
Adding は gives a contrastive nuance: 'up to now (but not anymore/but things may change)'. Very common in conversation.
今までは大丈夫だったけど、これからは気をつけて。
It's been fine up to now, but be careful from now on.
Formal/written version of 今までは, with the same contrastive meaning.
これまでは順調でしたが、今後は不透明です。
Up to now things have gone smoothly, but the future is uncertain.
To summarize events or progress up to the present point in a story or report.
Literally 'up to here', used to refer to progress in a task, story, or physical journey. Very natural in spoken Japanese.
ここまでのあらすじを説明します。
I'll explain the summary up to now.
ここまで順調に進んでいます。
We've been making good progress up to now.
Formal equivalent of ここまで, often used in business or academic contexts.
これまでのところ、計画は予定通りです。
Up to now, the plan is on schedule.
To emphasize that something was true until a very recent point, often with a sense of sudden change.
Means 'until just a moment ago'. Very colloquial and natural for recent changes.
ついさっきまでここにいたのに。
He was here up to now (just a moment ago).
Similar to ついさっきまで, but slightly more emphatic. 'Until just now'.
たった今まで雨が降っていました。
It was raining up to now (just a moment ago).
今まで is the default in everyday speech. これまで is slightly more formal and often appears in writing, speeches, or polite conversation. Both can be used with は for contrast.
今までありがとう。
Thanks for everything up to now. (casual)
これまでありがとうございました。
Thank you for everything up to now. (polite)
English 'until now' in negative sentences (e.g., 'I didn't know until now') often uses 今まで〜なかった or つい最近まで〜なかった. The phrase 今まで alone can be ambiguous, so context or verb tense clarifies.
今まで知らなかった。
I didn't know until now.