Translation guide
Expresses that something is completely consumed, exhausted, or depleted. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being used up (money, time, energy, supplies, etc.) and whether the focus is on the thing being used up or the person using it.
To say that a supply, resource, or money has been completely consumed or exhausted.
General verb meaning 'to run out' or 'to be used up'. Focuses on the thing disappearing. Used for money, time, supplies, etc.
The money has been used up.
We're about to run out of gas.
Transitive verb meaning 'to use up completely'. Emphasizes the action of using something until it's gone. The subject is the person using it.
I used up the ink.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be exhausted' or 'to run out'. Often used for abstract things like patience, ideas, or resources. More formal/literary than なくなる.
Transitive verb meaning 'to use up completely' or 'to exhaust'. Stronger than 使い切る, implying total depletion, often with a sense of regret or finality.
I used up all my savings.
To express that one's physical or mental energy, strength, or patience has been exhausted.
Means 'to be completely exhausted' or 'worn out'. Used for physical or mental fatigue.
I worked all day and am completely used up.
Means 'patience runs out'. Used when one's patience or perseverance is exhausted.
My patience was used up, so I quit.
To say that time has run out or been completely consumed.
なくなる is intransitive and focuses on the thing disappearing (e.g., お金がなくなった 'The money is gone'). 使い切る is transitive and focuses on the person using it up (e.g., お金を使い切った 'I used up the money'). Choose based on what you want to emphasize.
The gas ran out.
I used up the gas.
English 'be used up' is passive, but Japanese often uses intransitive verbs like なくなる or 尽きる instead of a direct passive. Using a passive form like 使われる would sound unnatural.
I've used up this month's budget.
Literally 'strength runs out'. Means to be completely exhausted or to collapse from exhaustion.
He collapsed, completely used up.
Time is up; it's over.