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'.
Finals start next week.
A slightly more casual way to say final exams, using 'test' instead of 'exam'.
I have to study for finals.
A more formal term, often used in official contexts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The finals were a very close match.
いよいよファイナルだ！
It's finally the finals!
The story reaches its finals.