Korean

Particle

까지 • ‎(kkaji)

A special particle (보조사, bojosa) generally meaning until, till, by (a time), up to. 까지 (ggaji) can be used in three situations.

1. To illustrate the extent of a finished action or situation.
   • 나는 한 시부터 늦게까지 공부했어요.

     Na-neun han si-buteo neutge-ggaji gongbu-haesseoyo.

     "I studied from one o’clock until late."

   • 매리가 부산에서 서울까지 열차로 갔어요.

     Maeri-ga Busan-eseo Seoul-ggaji yeolcha-ro gasseoyo.

     "Mary went as far as/to Seoul by train."

2. To illustrate to what extent an action will continue.
   • 일년 더 걸려도 서울대에 입학할 때까지 공부하기로 결정했어요.

     Illyeon deo geollyeodo Seoul-dae-e ippak-hal tte-ggaji gongbu-hagi-ro gyeoljeong-haesseoyo.

     "Even if it takes one more year I have decided that I will study until I get into Seoul National University."

3. To illustrate the degree or intensity of a situation.
   • 존이 김치를 이렇게까지 좋아할 줄 몰랐어요.

     Jon-i gimchi-reul ireokke-ggaji chowahal jul mollasseoyo.

     "I had no idea how much John liked kimchi."

Usage notes

Used after nouns, noun phrases, nominalized verbs in 기 (gi) form, as well as adjectives in 게 (ge) form.

See also

• 부터 (buteo, from (a time)), 에서 (eseo, from (a place))

References

• 표준국어대사전 (accessed 2008-01-03), “까지”, in (Please provide the title of the work)
• Daum.net Korean-English Dictionary (accessed 2008-01-03), “까지”, in (Please provide the title of the work)