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
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 終わる and 済ませる.
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, 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 "終わる"
仕事は5時に終わります。
Work finishes at 5 o'clock.
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: "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.". "済ませる" represents "to finish, to get done, to conclude".