In 15 Seconds
- Means 'so far' or 'up to this point' in time.
- Adds a touch of elegance and authority to your sentences.
- Best for records, milestones, or significant personal reflections.
Meaning
This phrase is a sophisticated way to say 'up until this very moment.' It creates a timeline from the past right up to your current conversation, often implying that things might change in the future.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a movie with friends
这是我迄今为止看过的最感人的电影。
This is the most touching movie I have seen so far.
Reporting sales figures in a meeting
迄今为止，我们的销售额已经突破了百万。
So far, our sales volume has exceeded one million.
Texting a crush after a few dates
和你在一起的时间，是我迄今为止最开心的时光。
The time spent with you is my happiest time so far.
Cultural Background
Used heavily in government and corporate reports.
Placement
Always put it at the start of the sentence for maximum impact.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'so far' or 'up to this point' in time.
- Adds a touch of elegance and authority to your sentences.
- Best for records, milestones, or significant personal reflections.
What It Means
迄今为止 is your go-to phrase for summarizing everything that has happened until now. It acts like a temporal anchor. You use it to highlight a record, a feeling, or a status that holds true at this exact second. It feels more 'complete' than just saying 'now.'
How To Use It
Think of it as a prefix or a standalone modifier. You usually place it at the very beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for the big reveal. You can also put it right before a noun it modifies. For example, 'the best movie 迄今为止.' It sounds polished and authoritative. Use it when you want to sound like you've really thought about your timeline.
When To Use It
Use it when you are making a definitive statement. It’s perfect for business presentations when discussing project milestones. It works great in romantic moments too. Telling someone they are the best thing to happen to you 迄今为止 adds a touch of poetic weight. Use it when browsing a menu to pick the best dish you've had all week. It’s for those 'big picture' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, mundane tasks. If you just started eating an apple, don't say 迄今为止 it's good. That’s overkill. It’s too heavy for 'I’ve been waiting five minutes.' Save it for things with a bit more history or impact. Avoid it in super casual slang-heavy chats with teenagers. You might sound like a history professor at a skate park.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a classical, literary soul. The character 迄 means 'to reach' and 为止 means 'to stop.' It bridges the gap between ancient formal Chinese and modern daily speech. In Chinese culture, reflecting on the journey is as important as the destination. This phrase captures that reflective spirit perfectly. It’s widely used in news broadcasts to report records.
Common Variations
If you want to keep it simple, you can use 到目前为止. It means the exact same thing but feels a bit more 'everyday.' If you want to be even more formal in writing, you might see 截至目前. But for that perfect balance of elegance and clarity, 迄今为止 is the undisputed champion of the 'so far' family.
Usage Notes
While it originates from formal writing, it is perfectly acceptable in spoken Mandarin to add emphasis. Avoid using it for trivial, short-term events to prevent sounding melodramatic.
Placement
Always put it at the start of the sentence for maximum impact.
Examples
6这是我迄今为止看过的最感人的电影。
This is the most touching movie I have seen so far.
Adds emphasis to how special the movie is compared to all others.
迄今为止，我们的销售额已经突破了百万。
So far, our sales volume has exceeded one million.
Professional and clear for a business context.
和你在一起的时间，是我迄今为止最开心的时光。
The time spent with you is my happiest time so far.
Very romantic and sincere, showing high value for the relationship.
这是我迄今为止度过的最糟糕的一个周一。
This is the worst Monday I've had so far.
Uses the formal weight of the phrase to create a humorous, dramatic effect.
迄今为止，一切进展顺利。
So far, everything is progressing smoothly.
A standard, neutral way to give a status update.
那是我迄今为止去过的最美的地方。
That is the most beautiful place I have been to so far.
Expresses awe and a sense of personal history.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
______, 我们还没有收到通知。
The sentence describes a state up to the present.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises______, 我们还没有收到通知。
The sentence describes a state up to the present.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it sounds too formal.
Related Phrases
到目前为止
synonymUp to now
