Translation guide
The English verb 'finish' covers completing an action, ending an event, using up something, and more. Japanese uses different verbs and constructions depending on what is being finished and how.
To finish doing something, such as work, homework, or a project.
Attach 終わる to the te-form of a verb to indicate finishing that action. This is the most common way to say 'finish doing something'.
I finished doing my homework.
I finished reading the book.
A transitive verb meaning 'to finish (something)'. Used with a direct object, often for tasks or work. Slightly more formal than 終わる.
I finished work.
He finished his university course.
Means 'to finish' or 'to get something done', often with a nuance of completing a necessary or routine task. Commonly used for errands, meals, or paperwork.
I finished lunch.
I want to finish the procedures quickly.
Attach 上げる to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'finish up' or 'complete', often implying thoroughness or accomplishment. Used in compound verbs like 書き上げる (finish writing).
I finished writing the report.
When something finishes by itself, like a class, event, or time period.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to end' or 'to be over'. Used for events, classes, seasons, etc.
The class finished.
What time does the movie finish?
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be finished' or 'to be completed', often for tasks or matters. Implies that something is settled or taken care of.
To use the last of something, like food, drink, or supplies.
Used with verbs like 食べる (eat) or 飲む (drink) to mean 'finish eating/drinking' completely. Often implies doing something completely or regrettably.
I finished all the cake.
I used up all my money.
Attach 切る to the masu-stem to mean 'to do something completely' or 'to use up'. Emphasizes exhaustion of the object.
I used up all the gasoline.
To complete a race, match, or game.
To apply a final treatment to a surface, such as wood, metal, or fabric.
Transitive verb meaning 'to finish' in the sense of putting the final touches on something, such as polishing, painting, or completing a product.
I finished the furniture with varnish.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be finished' (of a product or surface). Describes the result of finishing work.
Both mean 'to finish' or 'to end', but 終わる is used for events and time-bound things (classes, movies, seasons), while 済む is used for tasks, errands, and matters that need to be taken care of (work, payments, preparations). 済む often implies relief that something is over.
The meeting ended.
The preparations for the meeting are finished.
The loanword フィニッシュ is used in sports or as a noun (e.g., 'photo finish'), but not as a general verb for finishing tasks. Use the Japanese verbs above instead.
The errand is finished.
The payment has already been finished.
He used up all his savings.
Finish the dish by sprinkling parsley.
この机はきれいに仕上がっている。
This desk has a beautiful finish.