Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Finish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "finish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
済ませる
すませる (sumaseru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
仕上げる
しあげる (shiageru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 済ませる and 仕上げる.
In Japanese, 済ませる (すませる (sumaseru)) is typically associated with "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」.
On the other hand, 仕上げる (しあげる (shiageru)) maps to "to finish; to complete; to perfect (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 作業や作品を完全に終わらせる、または最後の仕上げをする、という能動的な行為を表す他動詞です。重点は「完成させる行為」にあります。. A literal translation of "finish" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "仕上げる"
今夜までにレポートを仕上げなければならない。
I have to finish the report by tonight.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "宿題を早く済ませて遊びに行った。" (Meaning: "I finished my homework quickly and went out to play.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "済ませる" fits here because it means "to finish, to get done, to conclude" in the context of: "I finished my homework quickly and went out to play.". "仕上げる" represents "to finish; to complete; to perfect (transitive)".