What is the difference between "済む" and "澄む"?

"済む" means "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" (N4), whereas "澄む" represents "to become clear" (B2).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "すむ (sumu)"

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

Kanji Option A

すむ (sumu)

N4 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

すむ (sumu)

B2 / CEFR

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

済む (Level: N4): Translates to "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" and is used when This verb often indicates that a task or event has come to an end or been completed. It can also mean that a problem has been resolved, or that something is sufficient/enough for a purpose..
澄む (Level: B2): Maps to "to become clear" and carries the nuance of Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..

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

Bilingual Context for "済む"

今日の仕事はもう済んだ。

Today's work is already finished.

Bilingual Context for "澄む"

毎日、日本語を練習するために澄む。

Every day, I become clear to practice Japanese.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "今日の仕事はもう済んだ。" (Meaning: "Today's work is already finished.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "済む" is used for "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" in the context: "Today's work is already finished.".