Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Finish" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "finish", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
終わる
おわる (owaru)
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 終わる and 仕上がり.
In Japanese, 終わる (おわる (owaru)) is typically associated with "to finish, to end (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for things that finish by themselves or a process ending. The transitive form is 終える.
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 "終わる"
仕事は5時に終わります。
Work finishes at 5 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: "仕事は5時に終わります。" (Meaning: "Work finishes at 5 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "終わる" fits here because it means "to finish, to end (intransitive)" in the context of: "Work finishes at 5 o'clock.". "仕上がり" represents "finish, completion, result (of work)".