Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "おわる", "終わる", "〜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
終わる
おわる (owaru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
〜終わる
〜おわる (owaru)
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", "終わる", "〜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.
- 終わる (おわる (owaru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to finish, to end (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used for things that finish by themselves or a process ending. The transitive form is 終える.
- 〜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 "終わる"
仕事は5時に終わります。
Work finishes at 5 o'clock.
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.".