What Does “Til” Mean

“Til” is a shortened, informal way of saying “until.” It means “up to a certain time” or “before something happens.”

People use “til” mostly in casual writing, texts, songs, and everyday speech. It sounds more relaxed than “until,” so you’ll often see it in messages like “I’ll wait til 5” or “Stay here til I come back.”

Meaning & Usage

“Til” means the same thing as “until.” It shows that an action continues up to a point in time.

Examples

I can’t leave til 6.
Wait til tomorrow.
She worked til late at night.

Context / Common Use

“Til” is common in informal English. In more formal writing, people usually use “until” instead.

Is “til” correct English?

Yes, it is commonly used in informal English, but “until” is better for formal writing.

Is “til” the same as “till”?

Yes. “Til” and “till” both mean “until,” though “until” is the most standard form.

Can I use “til” in school or work writing?

It’s better not to. Use “until” instead, since it sounds more formal and correct in those settings.