Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Finish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "finish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
仕上がり
しあがり (shiagari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
〜終わる
〜おわる (owaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 仕上がり and 〜終わる.
In Japanese, 仕上がり (しあがり (shiagari)) is typically associated with "finish, completion, result (of work)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the final state or quality of something after it has been completed. Often used for products, clothes, or tasks..
On the other hand, 〜終わる (〜おわる (owaru)) maps to "to finish doing; to end" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates the completion or end of an action or event. It is attached to the masu-stem. A literal translation of "finish" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "仕上がり"
このセーターの仕上がりはとてもきれいです。
The finish of this sweater is very beautiful.
Bilingual Context for "〜終わる"
仕事が終わり次第、帰ります。
I will go home as soon as I finish work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このセーターの ＿＿＿ はとてもきれいです。" (Meaning: "The finish of this sweater is very beautiful.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "仕上がり" fits here because it means "finish, completion, result (of work)" in the context of: "The finish of this sweater is very beautiful.". "〜終わる" represents "to finish doing; to end".