Translation guide
The English word "done" can express completion, readiness, exhaustion, or finality. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
I'm done (finished task).
I'm done (exhausted).
The food is done.
Expressing that a task or action is finished.
Past tense of 終わる (to end/finish). The most common way to say something is done.
I've already finished my homework.
Let's go for a drink when work is done.
Past tense of できる (to be completed/made). Emphasizes the result rather than the process.
The report is done.
Past tense of 済む (to be finished/over). Often used for obligations or troublesome tasks.
The procedures are already done.
Formal, often used in technical or business contexts.
Installation is complete.
Indicating that something is ready or that you have finished preparing.
Same as above, but used for readiness. Very common.
Are you done preparing? / Are you ready?
Expressing that you are extremely tired or finished physically/mentally.
Literally 'It's no good already'. A very common way to say 'I'm done' when exhausted.
Describing food that is fully cooked.
Past tense of 焼ける (to be cooked/baked/grilled). Used for grilled, baked, or fried items.
Saying that a relationship, event, or period is over.
Same as 'finished', but can also mean a relationship is over.
The English word 'done' is not used as a loanword in Japanese. Using ドン (don) would not be understood.
終わった focuses on the end of a process, while できた focuses on the result or completion. For tasks, both are often interchangeable, but できた can also mean 'ready' or 'made'.
I finished my homework (the process ended).
Dinner is ready (done).
Can you go out now? - Yeah, I'm done (ready).
Literally 'preparations are done'. Slightly more explicit than できた.
Dinner is ready.
Ah, I'm tired. I'm done.
Onomatopoeic word meaning exhausted.
I walked all day, I'm completely done.
Similar to へとへと, meaning worn out.
I'm done from overtime work.
The meat is done just right.
Past tense of 煮える (to be boiled/simmered). Used for boiled or stewed foods.
The potatoes are done.
Literally 'fire has passed through'. A general expression for food being cooked through.
Check if it's done all the way through.
It's over between me and him. / We're done.
Emphatic way to say 'it's all over'.
It's all done now.
My homework is done (completed/ready).