Translation guide
The English word "within" has several distinct uses: indicating a time limit, a spatial boundary, an internal state, or a range. Japanese uses different expressions for each, and direct translation is often unnatural.
To say that something will happen or be completed before a certain time or within a period of time.
Attach to a time expression to mean 'within (that time)'. 以内 means 'within/inside' and に marks the time limit.
10分以内に戻ります。
I'll be back within 10 minutes.
Please reply within one week.
Means 'by (a deadline)'. Similar to 'within' when emphasizing a deadline rather than a duration.
明日までに提出してください。
Please submit it by tomorrow.
Used with time words like 今日 (today) or 今年 (this year) to mean 'while it is still (that time period)'.
今日のうちに終わらせよう。
Let's finish it within today.
To say that something is inside a physical area or enclosed space.
The most common way to say 'inside' or 'within' a physical space. 中 means 'inside'.
建物の中にいる。
I'm within the building.
箱の中に何が入っていますか。
What is within the box?
More formal/literary word for 'inside' or 'within'. Used for interiors of objects, organizations, or bodies.
組織の内部に問題がある。
There are problems within the organization.
Means 'within the range/scope of'. Used for abstract or defined boundaries.
この地域の範囲内に住んでいます。
I live within this area.
To say that a feeling, thought, or quality exists inside a person.
Literally 'within one's heart/mind'. Used for emotions, thoughts, or memories.
彼女の心の中には悲しみがあった。
There was sadness within her.
Means 'to keep (a feeling) within'. 秘める means 'to hide/conceal'.
彼は怒りを内に秘めていた。
He kept his anger within.
To say that something is inside a certain numerical range, budget, or set of rules.
Means 'within the range/limits of'. Used for budgets, rules, expectations, etc.
予算の範囲内で計画を立ててください。
Please make a plan within the budget.
常識の範囲内で行動しなさい。
Act within the bounds of common sense.
Similar to 範囲内で but often used with specific numbers or distances.
駅から徒歩5分以内で探しています。
I'm looking for a place within a 5-minute walk from the station.
To say that something is close enough to be seen, heard, or reached.
Means 'within reach of'. 届く means 'to reach'.
手の届く範囲に置いてください。
Please put it within reach.
Means 'within earshot'.
彼の声が聞こえる範囲にいた。
I was within earshot of his voice.
English 'within' often corresponds to different Japanese structures depending on context. Using a single word like 内部 for all cases will sound unnatural. Pay attention to whether you mean time, space, or abstract limits.
以内に emphasizes a duration from now (within X minutes/hours). までに emphasizes a deadline point (by Friday). They are often interchangeable but までに is more common for calendar deadlines.