Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "おわる", "済む", "仕上がり", "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
済む
すむ (sumu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
仕上がり
しあがり (shiagari)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
仕上げる
しあげる (shiageru)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "finish" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "おわる", "済む", "仕上がり", "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.
- 済む (すむ (sumu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" and is used when 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..
- 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..
- 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 "済む"
今日の仕事はもう済んだ。
Today's work is already finished.
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 "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.".