Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Finish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "finish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
済む
すむ (sumu)
N4 / 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 済む and 済ませる.
In Japanese, 済む (すむ (sumu)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "済む"
今日の仕事はもう済んだ。
Today's work is already finished.
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: "今日の仕事はもう済んだ。" (Meaning: "Today's work is already finished.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "済む" fits here because it means "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" in the context of: "Today's work is already finished.". "済ませる" represents "to finish, to get done, to conclude".