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
〜終わる
〜おわる (owaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 済む and 〜終わる.
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, 〜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 "済む"
今日の仕事はもう済んだ。
Today's work is already finished.
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: "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.". "〜終わる" represents "to finish doing; to end".