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'.
宿題をやり終わった。
I finished doing my homework.
本を読み終わりました。
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.
仕事を終えた。
I finished work.
彼は大学の課程を終えた。
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.
昼食を済ませた。
I finished lunch.
手続きを早く済ませたい。
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).
レポートを書き上げた。
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.
授業が終わった。
The class finished.
映画は何時に終わりますか。
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.
用事が済んだ。
The errand is finished.
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.
ケーキを全部食べてしまった。
I finished all the cake.
お金を使い切ってしまった。
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.
ガソリンを使い切った。
I used up all the gasoline.
彼は貯金を全部使い切った。
He used up all his savings.
To complete a race, match, or game.
Loanword from English 'goal', used as a verb meaning 'to finish (a race)' or 'to reach the goal'.
彼は一番でゴールした。
He finished first.
Means 'to finish a race' (especially a marathon or long-distance race). Implies completing the entire course.
マラソンを完走した。
I finished the marathon.
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.
家具をニスで仕上げた。
I finished the furniture with varnish.
料理の仕上げにパセリを散らす。
Finish the dish by sprinkling parsley.
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.
会議が終わった。
The meeting ended.
会議の準備が済んだ。
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.
支払いはもう済みました。
The payment has already been finished.
This desk has a beautiful finish.