Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Finish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "finish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
終える
おえる (oeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
仕上がり
しあがり (shiagari)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 終える and 仕上がり.
In Japanese, 終える (おえる (oeru)) is typically associated with "to finish, to complete (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A transitive verb, meaning 'to finish something'. Similar to the intransitive 終わる.
On the other hand, 仕上がり (しあがり (shiagari)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "finish" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "終える"
宿題を終えてから遊びに行きます。
I will go play after finishing my homework.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "宿題を終えてから遊びに行きます。" (Meaning: "I will go play after finishing my homework.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "終える" fits here because it means "to finish, to complete (transitive)" in the context of: "I will go play after finishing my homework.". "仕上がり" represents "finish, completion, result (of work)".