noun, noun, used as a suffix, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
the end of; last time doing; finishing up
Used as a suffix after a noun or the -masu stem of a verb to mean the final instance of that action or the end of a period. Often seen in set expressions like 仕事納め (last workday of the year) or 稽古納め (last practice session).
今日は今年の仕事納めだ。
Today is the last workday of the year.
Today is the last cherry blossom viewing of the year.
明日が稽古納めなので、しっかり練習しよう。
Tomorrow is the last practice, so let's train hard.
最後 is a broad, everyday word for 'the last (one)' in any sequence, while 納め is a more formal suffix attached to a noun or verb stem to mean the last time that activity is done in a given period.
始め marks the first instance of a recurring activity (e.g. 仕事始め), the direct opposite of 納め, which marks the last (e.g. 仕事納め).
治める (to govern, to rule) is one of several おさめる verbs learners confuse with the root of 納め, which instead means 'the last instance of' an activity.
last look; farewell look
finishing up; completing one's work
votive tablet; offering tag · treasury receipt; granary receipt
last business day of the year; year-end work completion
year-end office closing; last business day of the year
Common kanji spelling for the suffix meaning 'the end of' or 'last time doing'. 納 carries the nuance of putting something away or finishing.
Alternate kanji spelling. 収 also means to store or finish, but 納め is more common for this suffix usage.
Derived from the verb 納める (おさめる, 'to put away, finish, conclude'), used as a nominalized suffix. The kanji 納 carries the sense of storing or settling something, fitting the idea of a final, conclusive instance.