What is the difference between "おわる" and "終わる"?

"おわる" means "to finish, to end (intransitive)" (N5), whereas "終わる" represents "to end, to finish (intransitive)" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "おわる (owaru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

おわる (owaru)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

おわる (owaru)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おわる (owaru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

おわる (Level: N5): Translates to "to finish, to end (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Something finishes by itself. The transitive form is 「終える.
終わる (Level: N5): Maps to "to end, to finish (intransitive)" and carries the nuance of Intransitive verb. Used when something comes to an end on its own. The transitive form is 終える.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "おわる"

会議は5時に終わります。

The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.

Bilingual Context for "終わる"

授業は5時に終わります。

The class ends at 5 o'clock.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "会議は5時に終わります。" (Meaning: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "おわる" is used for "to finish, to end (intransitive)" in the context: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.".