Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Finish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "finish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
終わります
おわります (owarimasu)
N5 / 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 終わります and 仕上がり.
In Japanese, 終わります (おわります (owarimasu)) is typically associated with "to finish, to end" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for events, tasks, or time periods coming to an end. Often paired with が..
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 "終わります"
授業は3時に終わります。
The class finishes at 3 o'clock.
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: "授業は3時に ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "The class finishes at 3 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "終わります" fits here because it means "to finish, to end" in the context of: "The class finishes at 3 o'clock.". "仕上がり" represents "finish, completion, result (of work)".