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
仕上げる
しあげる (shiageru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 終わります and 仕上げる.
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, 仕上げる (しあげる (shiageru)) maps to "to finish; to complete; to perfect (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 作業や作品を完全に終わらせる、または最後の仕上げをする、という能動的な行為を表す他動詞です。重点は「完成させる行為」にあります。. 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 "仕上げる"
今夜までにレポートを仕上げなければならない。
I have to finish the report by tonight.
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.". "仕上げる" represents "to finish; to complete; to perfect (transitive)".