Translation guide
The English word 'end' covers many meanings: the final point of something, the edge or tip of an object, a goal or purpose, and more. This guide breaks down these meanings and shows how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Expressing that something has finished, stopped, or reached its conclusion.
The most common and general word for 'end' as a noun. It refers to the conclusion of an event, period, or story.
The end of the movie was moving.
Summer vacation is nearing its end.
Emphasizes the very last moment or final part. Often used for 'the end' in a sequence or the last thing.
Don't give up until the very end.
This is your last chance.
A more formal noun meaning 'end' or 'termination', often used for events, broadcasts, or operations.
Today's business has ended.
Refers to the end of a period, often with a nuance of 'after a long time' or 'eventually'. Common in set phrases.
I'm going on a trip at the end of this week.
After a long discussion, a conclusion was reached.
Means 'end' in a grand or apocalyptic sense, like 'the end of the world'. Also used for 'weekend' but with different reading (しゅうまつ vs しゅうまつ).
I like apocalyptic movies.
Referring to the tip, extremity, or boundary of an object or area.
General word for 'edge' or 'end' of a physical object, like a stick, table, or road.
Please sit at the end of the desk.
Walk along the edge of the road.
Means 'tip' or 'point', often for long thin objects like pencils, fingers, or a cape. Also means 'ahead' or 'future'.
Refers to the extreme end or terminal part, often in technical or anatomical contexts (e.g., nerve endings).
Poetic or literary word for the farthest end, like 'the ends of the earth'.
Expressing the aim or objective of an action.
The standard word for 'purpose' or 'goal'. Often used in the phrase '手段を選ばない' (the end justifies the means).
He will use any means to achieve his end.
More concrete than 目的, often a target or milestone. 'End' as in 'end goal'.
Euphemistic or dramatic reference to death or ruin.
Specifically means 'one's last moments' or 'death'. Note the different kanji from 最後 (last).
He met his end peacefully.
Direct word for 'death'. Can be blunt.
Means 'ruin' or 'downfall', often for civilizations or groups.
Referring to a small remaining piece, like a cigarette end or candle end.
Specifically for cigarette ends/butts.
Cigarette ends are piled up in the ashtray.
A cut-off piece or scrap, like the end of a string or cloth.
General word for 'remainder' or 'leftover'. Can be used for the end of something consumable.
Expressing the action of ending something.
Transitive verb: to finish something. Used when the subject actively ends an action or event.
Let's go for a drink when we end work.
Intransitive verb: something ends. Used when the event or thing naturally comes to an end.
To terminate or discontinue something abruptly, like a project or program.
終わり is the most general 'end'. 最後 emphasizes the very last moment or final item. 終了 is formal and often used for scheduled endings like business hours or events.
The loanword エンド (endo) is mainly used in compound words like ハッピーエンド (happy ending) or デッドエンド (dead end). It is not a general translation for 'end'.
The end of the book was surprising.
He stood at the end of the line.
The end justifies the means.
The tip of the pencil broke.
There is a lighthouse at the end of the cape.
神経末端の研究をしている。
I'm researching nerve endings.
I want to travel to the ends of the earth.
I want to find my purpose in life.
最終目標は世界平和だ。
The ultimate end is world peace.
Literally 'final purpose', used for 'ultimate end'.
What is his ultimate end?
It meant his end.
帝国の滅亡は近い。
The end of the empire is near.
布の切れ端で人形を作った。
I made a doll from the ends of the cloth.
パンの残りは明日食べよう。
Let's eat the end of the bread tomorrow.
The meeting ended.
その番組は打ち切られた。
The show was ended (cancelled).