Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "終える", "済む", "済ませる", "仕上がり", "〜終わる"
All represent the core concept "finish", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
終える
おえる (oeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
済む
すむ (sumu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
済ませる
すませる (sumaseru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
仕上がり
しあがり (shiagari)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
〜終わる
〜おわる (owaru)
N3 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "finish" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "終える", "済む", "済ませる", "仕上がり", "〜終わる" based on context.
- 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..
- 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.
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 "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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "宿題を終えてから遊びに行きます。" (Meaning: "I will go play after finishing my homework.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "終える" is correct here because it represents "to finish, to complete (transitive)" in the context: "I will go play after finishing my homework.".