Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "おわる", "終える", "済む", "仕上がり"
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
終える
おえる (oeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
済む
すむ (sumu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
仕上がり
しあがり (shiagari)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "finish" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "おわる", "終える", "済む", "仕上がり" 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.
- 終える (おえる (oeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to finish, to complete (transitive)" and is used when A transitive verb, meaning 'to finish something'. Similar to the intransitive 終わる.
- 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..
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 "終える"
宿題を終えてから遊びに行きます。
I will go play after finishing my homework.
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.
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.".