Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Finish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "finish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おわる
おわる (owaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
済ませる
すませる (sumaseru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おわる and 済ませる.
In Japanese, おわる (おわる (owaru)) is typically associated with "to finish, to end (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Something finishes by itself. The transitive form is 「終える.
On the other hand, 済ませる (すませる (sumaseru)) maps to "to finish, to get done, to conclude" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Transitive verb. Often used for completing tasks, duties, or errands. 「用事を済ませる」. A literal translation of "finish" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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 "済ませる"
宿題を早く済ませて遊びに行った。
I finished my homework quickly and went out to play.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議は5時に終わります。" (Meaning: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おわる" fits here because it means "to finish, to end (intransitive)" in the context of: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.". "済ませる" represents "to finish, to get done, to conclude".