Translation guide
How to express that something is completed, done, or over in Japanese, depending on whether you focus on the state, the action, or the end of an event.
Describing that something is in a finished state right now.
Used for something that has been intentionally finished and remains in that state. Often implies someone did it for a purpose.
The report is already written (and ready).
The window has been left open (on purpose).
For intransitive verbs, this describes a current state resulting from a change. Often translates to 'is finished'.
The work is already finished.
The door is closed.
Attached to nouns to mean 'already finished'. Common in formal or written contexts.
payment completed
documents that have been checked
Expressing that someone finishes doing something.
Attached to the stem of a verb to mean 'finish doing'. Focuses on the completion of the action.
I finished reading the book.
Once you finish your homework, you can go play.
Implies completing something with effort or thoroughly. Often used for creative or production tasks.
I finished writing the thesis.
Transitive verb meaning 'to finish (something)'. More formal than 終わる.
Saying that a meeting, class, season, or time period has ended.
Emphasizing that something is completely done, used up, or exhausted.
Means to do something completely or to the end. Often implies nothing is left.
I used up all the money.
I ran the entire marathon.
Similar to 切る but often implies exhausting all possibilities or doing something thoroughly.
I've done everything I can.
終わる (owaru) is used for events, actions, and time periods ending. 済む (sumu) is used for tasks, obligations, or matters being settled or taken care of. 仕事が終わる means the work time is over, while 仕事が済む means the work task is completed.
The class ended.
The homework is done.
To say something is finished and ready because someone did it, use 〜てある, not 終わっている. 終わっている just means the action of finishing is complete, not that the result is intentionally maintained.
The documents have been copied (and are ready).
ケーキを焼き上げました。
I finished baking the cake.
仕事を終えて帰宅した。
I finished work and went home.
Contact me when you're done with your errand.
The payment has been made (settled).