为止

• Pinyin: wéi zhǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 为 = simplified from 為, to serve as; 止 = pictograph of a foot, to stop

Meaning

Until; up to; so far.

Used to mark an endpoint in time. Most commonly appears in the phrase 到...为止 (until...) or 迄今为止/截至目前为止 (up to now/so far). Indicates that something continues or applies up to a certain point. A formal expression often seen in reports and official contexts.

Examples

1. 截至目前为止，已有超过一百万人报名参加。 As of now, over one million people have registered to participate.
2. 这项政策将一直实行到年底为止。 This policy will remain in effect until the end of the year.
3. 迄今为止，这是我看过的最精彩的比赛。 So far, this is the most exciting match I've ever seen.

Usage Guide

Context: reports, official, news

Tone: precise

Do Say

• 到此为止。(Up to this point. / That's enough.)
• 迄今为止。(So far. / Until now.)

Don't Say

• 为止明天 — the time expression should come before 为止, usually with 到: 到明天为止

Origin & History

Compound of 为 (to serve as) + 止 (stop), meaning serving as a stopping point.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal