Translation guide
This phrase means to end or finish something, often a meeting, event, or period of time. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being ended and the nuance (e.g., wrapping up vs. formally concluding).
To finish or wrap up a gathering, ceremony, or planned activity.
Transitive verb meaning to finish something you are doing or responsible for. Common for meetings, work, and events.
Let's bring the meeting to a close.
He brought his speech to a close.
Intransitive verb meaning something ends. Use when the event itself comes to a close, not when someone actively ends it.
Do not use 終わる with a direct object. For 'bring X to a close', use 終える.
The party came to a close.
To wrap up or bring something to a neat conclusion, often with a summary or final remark. Common for speeches, meetings, or the end of a period.
I'll bring this to a close with one final word.
Formal verb for closing a meeting, conference, or formal gathering. Often used in official contexts.
The chairperson brought the meeting to a close.
To conclude a phase, season, or era, often with a sense of finality.
Literally 'to close the curtain', used metaphorically for bringing an event, era, or performance to a close. Dramatic nuance.
That incident brought a long history to a close.
Also used for finishing a period of time, like a day or a year.
To put an end to something or mark a turning point, often emotionally or psychologically. Implies closure.
To finalize an agreement, contract, or discussion.
終える (transitive) means someone actively finishes something. 終わる (intransitive) means something ends on its own. For 'bring to a close', 終える is usually correct because you are acting on the event.
bring the meeting to a close vs. the meeting comes to a close
Avoid directly translating 'bring' and 'close' as 持ってくる and 閉じる. This sounds unnatural. Use the verbs above depending on context.
一日を終える前に日記を書く。
I write in my journal before bringing the day to a close.
He brought his past to a close.