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
済む
すむ (sumu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "finish" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 終わる and 済む.
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, 済む (すむ (sumu)) maps to "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This verb often indicates that a task or event has come to an end or been completed. It can also mean that a problem has been resolved, or that something is sufficient/enough for a purpose.. 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 "済む"
今日の仕事はもう済んだ。
Today's work is already finished.
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.". "済む" represents "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice".