Translation guide
The English word "completion" refers to the act of finishing something or the state of being finished. In Japanese, the best translation depends on whether you are talking about finishing a task, completing a set, fulfilling requirements, or reaching a final stage. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these ideas.
Expressing that a task, work, or project has been finished.
The most direct and common word for completion of a task, process, or action. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
The construction is scheduled for completion next month.
The download has completed.
Used for the completion of a tangible creation, such as a building, artwork, or product. Emphasizes the finished state.
The new bridge has been completed.
I'm almost at the completion of my novel.
The general verb for 'to finish' or 'to end'. Very common in everyday speech. Can be used for tasks, events, or activities.
I finished my homework.
The meeting will end at 5 o'clock.
To finish up or put the final touches on something. Implies completing the last part of a task.
I have to finish this report by tonight.
Expressing that a set, collection, or series has been fully gathered or achieved.
Loanword from English, commonly used in gaming and collecting contexts to mean completing a set or achieving 100%.
It took 100 hours to complete this game.
For when all items of a set are gathered or become complete. Intransitive.
Transitive version of 揃う; to gather or complete a set.
Expressing that necessary conditions, requirements, or criteria have been met.
To satisfy or fulfill conditions, requirements, or standards.
I meet the application requirements.
This product meets safety standards.
Loanword meaning to clear a hurdle, requirement, or stage. Common in games and informal contexts.
I've cleared all the required credits.
Expressing that something has reached its end point or final form.
Used for stories, series, or events that have reached a conclusion. Emphasizes the narrative or logical end.
This story has reached its completion.
Formal term for the end or termination of an event, period, or process. Often used in official announcements.
完了 (kanryō) is for processes and actions (e.g., download, construction schedule). 完成 (kansei) is for tangible creations (buildings, artworks). 終了 (shūryō) is for events, periods, or formal endings. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
English often uses the noun 'completion', but Japanese often prefers verb phrases like 終わった (finished) or 完成した (was completed). Translating 'completion' directly as 完了 or 完成 can sound stiff in casual speech.
The project is nearing completion.
Completion of this course requires passing the final exam.
修了 (shūryō) is used specifically for completing a course of study.
I collected all the stamps and completed the card.
All members are present (the set is complete).
I've completed the stamp collection.
シリーズ全巻を揃えた。
I completed the whole series (collected all volumes).
Congratulations on completing the series!
本日の営業は終了しました。
Today's business has ended (completion of operations).