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
済む
すむ (sumu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おわる and 済む.
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, 済む (すむ (sumu)) maps to "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 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.. 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 "済む"
今日の仕事はもう済んだ。
Today's work is already finished.
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.". "済む" represents "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice".