Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "おわる", "済ませる", "仕上がり", "〜終わる", "仕上げる"
All represent the core concept "finish", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
おわる
おわる (owaru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
済ませる
すませる (sumaseru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
仕上がり
しあがり (shiagari)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
〜終わる
〜おわる (owaru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
仕上げる
しあげる (shiageru)
N2 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "finish" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "おわる", "済ませる", "仕上がり", "〜終わる", "仕上げる" based on context.
- おわる (おわる (owaru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to finish, to end (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Something finishes by itself. The transitive form is 「終える.
- 済ませる (すませる (sumaseru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to finish, to get done, to conclude" and is used when Transitive verb. Often used for completing tasks, duties, or errands. 「用事を済ませる」.
- 仕上がり (しあがり (shiagari) - Level: N3): Maps to "finish, completion, result (of work)" and is used when Refers to the final state or quality of something after it has been completed. Often used for products, clothes, or tasks..
- 〜終わる (〜おわる (owaru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to finish doing; to end" and is used when Indicates the completion or end of an action or event. It is attached to the masu-stem.
- 仕上げる (しあげる (shiageru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to finish; to complete; to perfect (transitive)" and is used when 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。.
Context for "おわる"
会議は5時に終わります。
The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.
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.
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.
Context for "〜終わる"
仕事が終わり次第、帰ります。
I will go home as soon as I finish work.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議は5時に終わります。" (Meaning: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おわる" is correct here because it represents "to finish, to end (intransitive)" in the context: "The meeting ends at 5 o'clock.".