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
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 終える and 済ませる.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "済ませる" represents "to finish, to get done, to conclude".