Translation guide
The English word "finals" can refer to final exams, the last round of a competition, or the concluding part of a series. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
Referring to final examinations at the end of a school term.
The standard term for final exams. Literally 'end-of-term exam'.
来週から期末試験が始まる。
Finals start next week.
A slightly more casual way to say final exams, using 'test' instead of 'exam'.
期末テストの勉強をしなきゃ。
I have to study for finals.
A more formal term, often used in official contexts.
学期末試験の日程が発表された。
The schedule for finals has been announced.
The last match or game in a tournament to decide the winner.
The general term for the final match or round in a competition.
決勝は来週の日曜日に行われる。
The finals will be held next Sunday.
Specifically emphasizes the final match or game.
Loanword from English, often used in sports or entertainment contexts.
The last episode, chapter, or installment of a series.
Used for the final episode of a TV series, anime, or drama.
このドラマの最終回は感動的だった。
The finals of this drama were moving.
Used for the final chapter of a book, manga, or story arc.
Used for a concluding part that wraps up the entire series, often in movies or special episodes.
劇場版の完結編が公開された。
The finals movie was released.
While ファイナル is used for competition finals, it is not used for final exams. Use 期末試験 or 期末テスト instead.
決勝 can refer to the final round as a whole, while 決勝戦 specifically means the final match. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 決勝戦 emphasizes the match itself.
決勝戦はとても接戦だった。
The finals were a very close match.
いよいよファイナルだ！
It's finally the finals!
物語は最終章を迎える。
The story reaches its finals.