What it means
てまで attaches to the te-form of a verb and indicates going so far as to perform that action for the sake of another action or goal. It often conveys that the attached action is extreme, costly, or surprising from the speaker’s perspective. The main clause usually follows and states the purpose, result, or determination that makes the extreme action noteworthy.
Usage note
てまで is usually used when the speaker presents the preceding action as excessive or difficult, so it is not a neutral way to describe an ordinary sequence of actions. Do not confuse it with までして, which has a similar meaning but attaches to a noun or the te-form of a verb.
How to use it
彼女は睡眠時間を削ってまで、研究を続けました。
She went so far as to cut her sleep time in order to continue her research.
彼女は睡眠時間を削ってまで、研究を続けた。
She went so far as to cut her sleep time in order to continue her research.
Example sentences
彼女は息子を大学に通わせるために、家を売ってまで学費を工面した。
To enable her son to attend university, she went so far as to sell her house to raise the tuition.
彼は資格を取るために、仕事を辞めてまで勉強に専念した。
In order to obtain the qualification, he devoted himself to studying to the extent of quitting his job.