When you're talking about something finishing on its own, like a meeting or a movie, you use 終わります (owarimasu). This is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object.
Think of it as 'it finishes' rather than 'I finish it'. For example, you might say 会議が終わります (kaigi ga owarimasu), meaning 'the meeting finishes'.
It's a really useful verb for describing events coming to an end naturally.
When you want to express that something finishes by itself, you use 終わります (owarimasu). Think of it as a natural end to an event or process. This verb is intransitive, which means it doesn't take a direct object. For example, a meeting finishes, a class finishes, or a movie finishes.
You wouldn't use 終わります to say "I finish my homework" because "I" am actively finishing something. Instead, you'd use a transitive verb like 終えます (oemasu) for that kind of action. But if your homework *itself* finishes, then 終わります could be used. So, remember, if the thing itself is doing the finishing, 終わります is your verb.
When using the verb "終わります" (owarimasu), which means "to finish" or "to end," it's important to understand it's an intransitive verb. This means it doesn't take a direct object. Instead, the thing that finishes is the subject of the sentence.
For example, if you want to say "the meeting finishes," you would say "会議が終わります" (kaigi ga owarimasu). You wouldn't use a direct object particle like "を" (o) with the thing that is finishing.
If you want to express that you finished something, you would use a transitive verb like "終えます" (oemasu) or "を終える" (o oeru), or a construction like "を終わらせます" (o owarasemasu), which means "to make something finish" or "to complete something."
So, remember: "終わります" is for when something finishes on its own, and you'll often see it with the subject particle "が" (ga) to indicate what is finishing.
終わります in 30 Seconds
- Use for things that finish on their own.
- Commonly used for events, classes, or work.
- Always intransitive; no direct object.
§ What does it mean?
The Japanese verb 終わります (owarimasu) means 'to finish' or 'to end.' It's an intransitive verb, which is an important detail. This means the action of finishing happens by itself, or something finishes on its own. There's no direct object being finished by someone else.
Think of it this way: if you use 終わります, the thing that is finishing is the subject of the sentence. For example, 'The movie finishes.' The movie isn't finishing something else; it itself is coming to an end. This is a key difference from its transitive counterpart, 終えます (oemasu) or 終えます (oemasu), which means 'to finish something.' We'll get to that another time, but keep this distinction in mind.
§ When do people use it?
You'll use 終わります in many everyday situations when you want to express that something has come to an end. Here are some common scenarios:
- Events and Activities: When a meeting, class, concert, or any scheduled event concludes.
- Work and School: When your workday finishes, or school is out.
- Time Periods: When a season, a day, or a specific period of time ends.
- Processes: When a task, a project, or a certain process is completed.
It's a very versatile verb and you'll hear it constantly in Japanese conversations. Let's look at some examples to make this clearer.
§ Examples of 終わります in action
- DEFINITION
- To finish, to end (intransitive)
会議は５時に終わります。
- HINT
- The meeting will finish at 5 o'clock.
Here, the meeting itself is finishing. No one is actively finishing the meeting; it just ends at a certain time.
仕事が終わったら、連絡します。
- HINT
- When my work finishes, I will contact you.
Again, the work itself finishes. It's not about someone finishing the work, but rather the state of the work being complete.
夏休みはもうすぐ終わりますね。
- HINT
- Summer vacation will finish soon, won't it?
Here, the summer vacation itself is approaching its end. It's a natural conclusion of a period of time.
授業は何時に終わりますか。
- HINT
- What time does the class finish?
A common question to ask about the end time of a class. The class is the subject that finishes.
In all these examples, notice how the subject of the sentence (meeting, work, summer vacation, class) is the thing that is concluding or coming to an end, rather than an agent actively finishing something else. This intransitive nature is really the most important thing to grasp about 終わります.
Let's learn about the Japanese verb 終わります (owarimasu), which means 'to finish' or 'to end'. It's an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. Something finishes by itself.
This verb is really useful in daily conversation, so understanding how to use it correctly will boost your Japanese skills. We'll look at its basic usage, common sentence patterns, and some helpful tips.
§ Basic Form and Politeness
終わります (owarimasu) is the polite, non-past form of the verb. This is what you'll use in most everyday situations when speaking respectfully. The dictionary form (the most basic, informal form) is 終わる (owaru).
Remember that 終わります is an intransitive verb. This means it describes an action that happens to the subject itself, without directly acting on an object. Think of it as 'X finishes' rather than 'someone finishes X'.
§ Marking the Subject with が (ga)
When using 終わります, the thing that finishes is usually marked with the particle が (ga).
- DEFINITION
- The subject of the sentence (the thing that finishes) is marked with the particle が (ga).
会議が終わります。
Hint: The meeting finishes.
授業が終わりました。
Hint: The class finished (past tense).
§ Indicating a Time or Date with に (ni)
You can use the particle に (ni) to specify when something finishes.
- DEFINITION
- Use に (ni) after a specific time or date to indicate when something finishes.
仕事は５時に終わります。
Hint: Work finishes at 5 o'clock.
イベントは明日に終わります。
Hint: The event finishes tomorrow.
§ Expressing a Range or Starting Point with から (kara) and まで (made)
While 終わります marks the end, you can pair it with particles like から (kara) and まで (made) to talk about durations.
- から (kara): from, since
- まで (made): until, to
授業は９時から始まりますが、５時までには終わりません。
Hint: Class starts from 9 o'clock, but it won't finish by 5 o'clock.
§ Common Uses and Contexts
You'll hear 終わります in many situations:
- Talking about work, school, or meetings finishing.
- Referring to events, movies, or shows coming to an end.
- Describing seasons or periods concluding.
今日の会議は早く終わりましたね。
Hint: Today's meeting finished early, didn't it?
この映画はいつ終わりますか。
Hint: When does this movie finish?
Mastering 終わります (owarimasu) is a great step in becoming more fluent in Japanese. Pay attention to how it's used in different contexts, especially with the particles が (ga) and に (ni).
§ What 「終わります」 means
「終わります」 (owarimasu) is a common Japanese verb. It means 'to finish' or 'to end'. This verb is intransitive, which means it doesn't take a direct object. Something finishes on its own. Think of it like 'the meeting finishes' rather than 'I finish the meeting'.
- Japanese Word
- 終わります (owarimasu)
- Definition
- To finish (intransitive)
- CEFR Level
- A2
§ Where you hear 「終わります」
You'll hear 「終わります」 in many everyday situations. It's a fundamental word for talking about things concluding. Here are some common contexts:
- Work: Meetings, projects, shifts.
- School: Classes, tests, homework.
- News/Announcements: Events, seasons, broadcasts.
- Daily Life: Movies, conversations, seasons.
At work
In a business setting, you'll often hear 「終わります」 when discussing the end of a meeting, a project deadline, or even your workday.
会議はこれで終わります (Kaigi wa kore de owarimasu.)
The meeting finishes with this. (The meeting is now over.)
今日の仕事はいつ終わりますか (Kyou no shigoto wa itsu owarimasu ka?)
When does today's work finish?
At school
Students and teachers use 「終わります」 for class schedules, school events, and the academic year.
授業は3時に終わります (Jugyou wa san-ji ni owarimasu.)
Class finishes at 3 o'clock.
試験は明日終わります (Shiken wa ashita owarimasu.)
The exam finishes tomorrow.
In the news or public announcements
You'll hear 「終わります」 on TV or radio when reporting on events concluding, or even the end of a season.
祭りは曰曜日に終わります (Matsuri wa nichiyoubi ni owarimasu.)
The festival ends on Sunday.
雨が終わりました (Ame ga owarimashita.)
The rain finished. (It stopped raining.)
In general conversation
You'll also use 「終わります」 for personal activities, like watching a movie or finishing a book.
映画はまもなく終わります (Eiga wa mamonaku owarimasu.)
The movie will finish soon.
§ Don't use for people or things you finish
The biggest mistake learners make with 終わります (owarimasu) is using it incorrectly for things that *you* finish, or for people finishing something. Remember, 終わります is an intransitive verb. This means the action happens by itself, or to the subject, without a direct object being acted upon by an external agent. Think of it as 'something comes to an end' or 'something finishes itself'.
If you want to say 'I finished my homework' or 'He finished his work', 終わります is not the right verb. You need a transitive verb, like 終えます (oemasu) or 済ませます (sumasemasu).
- DEFINITION
- 終わります (owarimasu): To finish (intransitive). The subject itself finishes.
会議は午後5時に終わります。
_The meeting finishes at 5 PM._ (The meeting itself finishes.)
授業はもうすぐ終わります。
_The class will finish soon._ (The class itself finishes.)
§ Don't confuse with 終えます or 済ませます
This is the crucial distinction. When *you* complete an action or finish something, you need a transitive verb. Let's look at the correct verbs for those situations.
- 終えます (oemasu): This is the transitive counterpart to 終わります. It means 'to finish something' or 'to complete something'. You (the subject) are actively finishing an object.
- 済ませます (sumasemasu): This also means 'to finish' or 'to get something over with', often with a nuance of completing a necessary task.
宿題を終えました。
_I finished my homework._ (I finished the homework.)
仕事を済ませて帰ります。
_I'll finish my work and go home._ (I'll finish the work.)
Notice the direct object particle を (o) with 終えます and 済ませます. This is a key indicator that they are transitive verbs, meaning they take a direct object.
§ Overusing it in contexts where another verb is more natural
While 終わります is generally about things coming to a conclusion, sometimes other verbs are more natural depending on what is finishing. For instance, if a limited resource is running out, you might use なくなります (nakunarimasu). If a period of time is ending, you might use 過ぎます (sugimasu) in certain contexts, or even just say it's 'late' or 'time is up'.
By understanding the intransitive nature of 終わります and recognizing its transitive counterparts, you'll avoid common pitfalls and sound more natural in your Japanese conversations. Keep practicing the distinction between verbs that take direct objects and those that don't, and you'll master this quickly.
Fun Fact
The 'masu' ending indicates politeness and is widely used in modern Japanese.
Pronunciation Guide
- pronouncing the 'i' in -masu too strongly
Examples by Level
授業は５時に終わります。
Class finishes at 5 o'clock.
仕事は６時に終わります。
Work finishes at 6 o'clock.
映画は９時に終わります。
The movie finishes at 9 o'clock.
パーティーは１０時に終わります。
The party finishes at 10 o'clock.
テストは午前中に終わります。
The test finishes in the morning.
冬休みは来週終わります。
Winter break finishes next week.
会議はもうすぐ終わります。
The meeting finishes soon.
この本は今日中に終わります。
This book finishes by the end of today.
発表が終わったら、質問の時間に移りましょう。
After the presentation finishes, let's move to question time.
冬休みが終わるとすぐに、新しい学期が始まります。
As soon as winter break finishes, a new semester begins.
このプロジェクトが終わるまで、週末も働くことになりそうです。
It looks like I'll be working on weekends until this project finishes.
コンサートが終わった後、ファンは興奮して拍手を送った。
After the concert finished, fans excitedly applauded.
雨がようやく終わったので、散歩に出かけることができます。
Since the rain finally finished, we can go for a walk.
一日の仕事が終わると、彼はいつもバーで一杯飲む。
When the day's work finishes, he always has a drink at the bar.
このドラマは来月には終わる予定だ。
This drama is scheduled to finish next month.
パーティーが終わる頃には、ほとんどの客が帰っていた。
By the time the party finished, most guests had gone home.
Often Confused With
This is the transitive counterpart of '終わります'. Remember, '終わります' is intransitive (the thing itself finishes), while '終えます' is transitive (someone finishes something).
This is the transitive form of '済みます'. If you '済みます' when something is settled, you '済ませます' when *you* settle something.
This is the causative form of '完了します', meaning 'to make something complete' or 'to have something completed'. This is transitive, unlike '終わります'.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"授業が終わります。"
The class finishes.
今日の授業は5時に終わります。
neutral"仕事が終わったら、連絡します。"
I'll contact you when work is over.
仕事が終わったら、すぐ連絡しますね。
neutral"試験が終わるまで、頑張ります。"
I'll do my best until the exam finishes.
あと少しで試験が終わるから、頑張ろう。
neutral"このプロジェクトは来月には終わるでしょう。"
This project will probably finish next month.
この大きなプロジェクトも来月には終わる予定です。
neutral"夏休みが終わるのが寂しいです。"
I'm sad that summer vacation is ending.
楽しい夏休みが終わるのが本当に寂しいです。
neutral"食事が終わったら、片付けます。"
I'll clean up after the meal finishes.
食事が終わったら、みんなで片付けましょう。
neutral"雨がやんで、試合が終わりました。"
The rain stopped, and the game finished.
雨がやんで、やっと試合が終わりました。
neutral"会議はもう終わりましたか？"
Has the meeting finished already?
すみません、会議はもう終わりましたか？
neutral"物語はハッピーエンドで終わります。"
The story ends with a happy ending.
この物語はいつもハッピーエンドで終わります。
neutral"今日のイベントは無事に終わりました。"
Today's event finished without incident.
皆様のおかげで、今日のイベントは無事に終わりました。
neutralEasily Confused
Many English speakers confuse '終わります' (intransitive) with '終えます' (transitive) because both can be translated as 'to finish.' The key difference is whether the verb takes a direct object.
終わります (owarimasu) means something *itself* finishes or comes to an end. It doesn't take a direct object. Example: 授業が終わります (Jugyō ga owarimasu) - The class finishes. 終えます (oemasu) means *to finish something* or *complete a task*. It requires a direct object. Example: 宿題を終えます (Shukudai o oemasu) - I finish my homework.
会議は3時に終わります。 (Kaigi wa san-ji ni owarimasu.) Hint: The meeting finishes at 3 o'clock.
Often translated as 'can do,' but it also means 'to be completed' or 'to be made,' which can be confusing when distinguishing it from '終わります.'
できます (dekimasu) indicates possibility or creation. When referring to completion, it implies something has been successfully made or is ready. 終わります strictly means something concludes.
夕食ができました。 (Yūshoku ga dekimashita.) Hint: Dinner is ready/has been made.
Similar in meaning to 'to be finished' or 'to be settled,' leading to overlap with '終わります' in certain contexts.
済みます (sumimasu) often implies a task has been taken care of, settled, or completed to satisfaction, or that something is paid. 終わります simply states that an event has concluded.
支払いは済みました。 (Shiharai wa sumimashita.) Hint: The payment has been settled/completed.
This word directly translates to 'to complete' or 'to finish,' and is often used interchangeably with '終わります' in some situations.
完了します (kanryō shimasu) has a more formal and official nuance, emphasizing the full and definite completion of a process or project. 終わります is more general and can refer to the end of any event.
プロジェクトは来週完了します。 (Purojekuto wa raishū kanryō shimasu.) Hint: The project will be completed next week.
Refers specifically to a store closing, which is a type of 'finishing' that can be confused with the broader '終わります.'
閉店します (heiten shimasu) is specific to businesses closing for the day or permanently. 終わります is a general term for any event ending.
店は午後9時に閉店します。 (Mise wa gogo ku-ji ni heiten shimasu.) Hint: The store closes at 9 PM.
Sentence Patterns
[N が] 終わります。
会議が 終わります。
[Event] が 終わりました。
授業が 終わりました。
もう [N] が 終わりましたか。
もう 仕事が 終わりましたか。
まだ [N] は 終わりません。
まだ 映画は 終わりません。
[N] は 何時に 終わりますか。
パーティーは 何時に 終わりますか。
[N] が 終わったら、[action]。
宿題が 終わったら、遊びに行こう。
[N] が 終わるまで、[state/action]。
テストが 終わるまで、待っています。
いつも [N] が 終わると、[action]。
いつも 仕事が 終わると、ビールを飲みます。
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an owl (o-wa) who has just finished (warimasu) their shift and is ready to go home. 'O-WA-Rimasu' sounds like 'owl rhymes with finish'.
Visual Association
Picture a clock winding down to midnight, signifying the end of the day. As the hands hit 12, a friendly owl hoots 'Owarimasu!' to signal that everything is finished.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe five things that you are looking forward to finishing this week using '終わります'. For example, '私は仕事が終わるのを待っています。' (I am waiting for work to finish.)
Word Origin
From Old Japanese 'ohari' (end) and 'masu' (honorific auxiliary verb).
Original meaning: To come to an end.
JaponicCultural Context
When something 'owarimasu', it simply finishes on its own, like a movie ending. This contrasts with 'oemasu', where a person actively finishes something. Understanding this difference is key to natural Japanese.
Test Yourself 84 questions
Choose the correct particle: 「パーティーは五時に___終わります。」
「に」 is used to indicate a specific time. So, 'The party finishes at five o'clock.'
Which one means 'The class finishes'?
Since 「終わります」 is an intransitive verb, the subject is marked by 「が」. It means 'The class itself finishes.'
How do you say 'School finishes at three'?
「学校は」 identifies the topic 'school'. 「三時に」 indicates the time 'at three'.
「会議は終わります。」 means 'The meeting finishes.'
「会議」 is 'meeting', and 「終わります」 means 'to finish' (intransitive). The sentence correctly means 'The meeting finishes.'
You can use 「終わります」 to say 'I finish my homework.'
「終わります」 is intransitive, meaning something finishes by itself. To say 'I finish my homework,' you need a transitive verb like 「終わらせます」 (I finish something).
The sentence 「仕事は六時に終わります。」 means 'Work finishes at six o'clock.'
「仕事」 is 'work', 「六時に」 is 'at six o'clock', and 「終わります」 is 'to finish' (intransitive). The sentence is correctly translated.
This sentence means 'The work finishes.' '仕事' (shigoto) is work, 'が' (ga) is a subject particle, and '終わります' (owarimasu) is to finish (intransitive).
This means 'The class finishes at 5 o'clock.' '授業' (jugyō) is class, 'は' (wa) is a topic particle, '５時に' (goji ni) means at 5 o'clock, and '終わります' (owarimasu) is to finish.
This sentence means 'The party will finish soon.' 'パーティー' (pātī) is party, 'は' (wa) is a topic particle, 'もうすぐ' (mō sugu) means soon, and '終わります' (owarimasu) is to finish.
The meeting finishes at 3.
Class will finish soon.
I'll contact you when work finishes.
Read this aloud:
会議は何時に終わりますか？
Focus: なんじにおわりますか
You said:
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Read this aloud:
テストは午前中に終わります。
Focus: ごぜんちゅうにおわります
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
このプロジェクトは来週には終わります。
Focus: らいしゅうにはおわります
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a sentence using 「終わります」 to say "The meeting will finish at 3 PM."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
会議は午後3時に終わります。
Describe an event that has already finished using 「終わりました」. For example, a class or a party.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
授業はもう終わりました。
Imagine you are making plans. Write a sentence asking "When does the movie finish?" using 「終わりますか」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
映画はいつ終わりますか。
Why will Tanaka-san be late today?
Read this passage:
田中さんは毎日早く仕事を終わります。だから、いつも早く家に帰ります。でも、今日は仕事が終わらないので、遅くなります。
Why will Tanaka-san be late today?
The passage states 「今日は仕事が終わらないので、遅くなります。」 meaning 'Because his work won't finish today, he will be late.'
The passage states 「今日は仕事が終わらないので、遅くなります。」 meaning 'Because his work won't finish today, he will be late.'
What are A and B talking about?
Read this passage:
A: この本はいつ終わりますか？ (When will this book finish?) B: 明日終わりますよ。 (It will finish tomorrow.) A: そうですか。楽しみにしています。 (Is that so? I'm looking forward to it.)
What are A and B talking about?
The conversation explicitly mentions 「この本はいつ終わりますか？」 which refers to a book finishing.
The conversation explicitly mentions 「この本はいつ終わりますか？」 which refers to a book finishing.
What happens after the class finishes?
Read this passage:
授業は10時に終わります。そのあと、休み時間があります。
What happens after the class finishes?
The passage states 「そのあと、休み時間があります。」 which means 'After that, there is a break time.'
The passage states 「そのあと、休み時間があります。」 which means 'After that, there is a break time.'
The lesson finishes at 3 o'clock.
What time does work finish?
The meeting finished a little while ago.
会議が午後5時に___。
The sentence is about the meeting finishing at 5 PM. '終わります' (owarimasu) means 'to finish' (intransitive) and fits the context.
宿題がやっと___。疲れた！
The speaker is tired because their homework finally finished. '終わります' (owarimasu) is the correct verb here.
このプロジェクトはいつ___か？
The question asks when the project will finish. '終わります' (owarimasu) is the appropriate verb for 'to finish' (intransitive).
映画はもう___。
The sentence indicates that the movie has already finished. '終わります' (owarimasu) is the correct choice.
仕事が早く___たいです。
The speaker wants their work to finish quickly. '終わります' (owarimasu) in its '-tai' form means 'want to finish'.
試験が午後1時に___予定です。
The sentence states that the exam is scheduled to finish at 1 PM. '終わります' (owarimasu) is used to express 'to finish' (intransitive).
You just finished a big project at work. Write a short email to your boss, letting them know it's done and expressing your relief. Use '終わります' correctly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
部長、 プロジェクトが無事に終わりました。ご協力ありがとうございました。おかげさまで、安心しました。 [あなたの名前]
Describe a time when something you were looking forward to ended. How did you feel? Use '終わります' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
楽しみにしていた旅行が昨日終わりました。とても寂しかったですが、たくさんの良い思い出ができました。
Write a sentence explaining that your favorite TV show finishes next week. Include how you feel about it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私の好きなテレビ番組は来週終わります。とても悲しいです。
会議はいつ終わりますか？
Read this passage:
田中さんは毎日朝早くから夜遅くまで働いています。しかし、週末には家族と過ごす時間を大切にしています。今日は会社の大きな会議があり、午後5時に終わります。
会議はいつ終わりますか？
文章の最後に「午後5時に終わります」と書かれています。
文章の最後に「午後5時に終わります」と書かれています。
夏休みが終わると、学生たちは何をしなければなりませんか？
Read this passage:
夏休みがもうすぐ終わります。学生たちは学校が始まる前に、宿題を終わらせなければなりません。友達と会う時間も少なくなります。
夏休みが終わると、学生たちは何をしなければなりませんか？
「学校が始まる前に、宿題を終わらせなければなりません」とあります。
「学校が始まる前に、宿題を終わらせなければなりません」とあります。
コンサートは何時に終わりますか？
Read this passage:
コンサートは午後7時に始まり、約2時間後に終わります。帰りの電車は混雑するかもしれませんので、早めに駅に向かうのが良いでしょう。
コンサートは何時に終わりますか？
午後7時に始まり、約2時間後なので、午後9時に終わります。
午後7時に始まり、約2時間後なので、午後9時に終わります。
This sentence means 'The meeting finishes at five o'clock.' In Japanese, the topic (会議が) usually comes first, followed by the time (五時に), and then the verb (終わります).
This sentence means 'Has the work already finished?' The topic (仕事は) comes first, followed by the adverb (もう) and then the verb in the past tense (終わりましたか？).
This sentence means 'The movie is scheduled to finish at nine o'clock.' The topic (映画は) comes first, followed by the time (九時に), and then the verb in its dictionary form followed by '予定です' (終わる予定です).
Choose the most appropriate sentence using 「終わります」.
「終わります」 is intransitive, meaning it describes an action that completes by itself. 'The party finishes at 8 PM' correctly uses it to describe the party's natural conclusion. The other options imply a transitive action where someone finishes something.
Which sentence correctly uses 「終わります」 to indicate an event's conclusion?
「終わります」 (intransitive) means something finishes on its own. 'The meeting will end soon' properly conveys this. The other options suggest a transitive action (finishing a book, cooking, or work) which would require 「終えます」 or 「終わりにします」.
Select the sentence where 「終わります」 is used correctly.
As an intransitive verb, 「終わります」 describes something concluding on its own. 'This project will finish next week' uses it correctly. The other options incorrectly use it as a transitive verb, where the subject is performing the action of finishing something.
The sentence 「テストは10時に終わります。」 means 'The test finishes at 10 o'clock.'
Yes, this is correct. 「終わります」 is intransitive, so 'The test finishes...' is a natural and correct usage.
You can say 「私は宿題を終わります。」 to mean 'I finish my homework.'
No, this is incorrect. 「終わります」 is intransitive, so it cannot take a direct object like 「宿題を」. To say 'I finish my homework,' you would use the transitive verb 「終えます」 (終えます) or 「終わりにします」.
「コンサートはそろそろ終わります。」 means 'The concert will end soon.'
This is correct. 「終わります」 is intransitive and suitable for describing an event like a concert ending on its own.
What will happen right after the meeting finishes?
What is the speaker asking about finishing?
What is the speaker's state of mind until the project finishes?
Read this aloud:
仕事が終わったら、一杯どうですか。
Focus: しごとが おわったら、いっぱい どうですか。
You said:
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Read this aloud:
夏休みが終わるのが早すぎます。
Focus: なつやすみが おわるのが はやすぎます。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
映画が終わる頃には、もう暗くなっていました。
Focus: えいがが おわるころには、もう くらくなっていました。
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The particles が and に help indicate the subject and time, respectively. The verb 終わります (owarimasu) means 'to finish' and comes at the end of the sentence.
この (kono) modifies プロジェクト (purojekuto). は (wa) marks the topic. 来週 (raishuu) is 'next week'. 終わる予定です (owaru yotei desu) means 'is scheduled to finish'.
授業 (jugyou) is 'class'. は (wa) marks the topic. もう (mou) means 'already'. 終わりましたか (owarimashita ka) is the past tense polite form of 'to finish' with a question particle.
報告書の作成がようやく___。これで一安心だ。
文脈から、報告書の作成が完了したことを表す「終わった」が適切です。
このプロジェクトが___のは、来月末になるだろう。
未来の出来事を表すので、「終わる」が適切です。
会議が長引き、なかなか___なかった。
会議が自力で終わらなかったことを表すので、「終わらなかった」が適切です。
仕事が___次第、すぐに連絡します。
「〜次第」と合わせて使う場合は「終わり」が一般的です。
この映画は、ハッピーエンドで___。
映画の内容がハッピーエンドで完結することを表すので、「終わる」が適切です。
試験時間が___前に、解答用紙を提出してください。
試験時間が終了する前に、という意味なので「終わる」が適切です。
Which of the following best describes a situation where 終わります is appropriately used?
終わります (owarimasu) is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action that happens to the subject without a direct object. Therefore, it's used when something 'finishes' on its own or naturally concludes, rather than being 'finished' by someone.
Choose the sentence where 終わります is used correctly.
映画は九時に終わります。(Eiga wa kuji ni owarimasu.) means 'The movie finishes at nine o'clock.' This correctly uses 終わります as an intransitive verb, describing the movie's natural conclusion. The other options imply a transitive action (finishing something), which would require 終えます (oemasu) or 終らせます (owarasemasu).
Consider the nuances between 終わります (owarimasu) and 終えます (oemasu). Which of the following statements is true?
終わります (owarimasu) is intransitive, focusing on something coming to an end on its own. 終えます (oemasu) is transitive, focusing on someone or something actively bringing an action or task to an end.
If you want to say 'I finished my homework,' using 終わります (owarimasu) is generally considered less natural than using 終えます (oemasu) or other transitive verbs like 済ませます (sumasemasu).
This is true. Since 終わります (owarimasu) is intransitive, saying '私は宿題が終わりました' (Watashi wa shukudai ga owarimashita) technically means 'As for me, the homework finished,' which might sound a bit indirect. More natural phrasing would be '宿題を終えました' (Shukudai o oemashita - 'I finished the homework') or '宿題を済ませました' (Shukudai o sumasemasu - 'I completed the homework').
The phrase '会議がなかなか終わりません' (Kaigi ga nakanaka owarimasen) correctly conveys that a meeting is taking a long time to finish.
This is true. 'なかなか〜ない' (nakanaka ~nai) means 'hardly ~' or 'not easily ~'. So, '会議がなかなか終わりません' means 'The meeting won't easily finish' or 'The meeting is taking a long time to finish,' which is a natural and correct usage of 終わります (owarimasu) in an intransitive context.
When discussing the end of a long-term project, using 終わります (owarimasu) implies that the project reached its conclusion through external forces, not through the team's efforts.
This is false. While 終わります (owarimasu) is intransitive, it doesn't necessarily imply a lack of effort. It simply focuses on the state of completion rather than the agent who caused it. A project 'finishing' can still be the result of a team's hard work, even if the phrasing doesn't explicitly state 'the team finished the project.' The nuanced implication depends more on the broader context.
You are writing a complex philosophical essay about the impermanence of existence. Incorporate the nuanced meaning of '終わります' to convey the inevitable conclusion of all things, not just a simple 'ending'. Your essay should reflect a deep understanding of existentialism.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
存在というものは、常に『終わります』という真理に直面している。刹那的な喜びも、永続すると思われた悲しみも、すべては時間の中でその終焉を迎える。この無常の概念を理解することは、生の意味を深く考察する上で不可欠である。
Describe a historical event that dramatically concluded, using '終わります' to emphasize the finality and impact of its cessation. Your description should be analytical and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of cause and effect.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
第二次世界大戦は、世界地図を塗り替え、国際秩序を根本から変革するという形で『終わりました』。この戦争の終結は単なる紛争の停止ではなく、新たな時代の幕開けを告げるものであり、その影響は現代社会にまで及んでいる。
Compose a short poem or lyrical piece reflecting on the beauty and sorrow of something beautiful coming to an end. Use '終わります' to evoke a sense of poignant finality.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
桜の花が散りゆくように、この美しい季節もまた『終わります』。はかなくも鮮やかな彩りは、やがて来る静かな終焉を教えてくれる。その寂しさの中に、また新たな始まりの予感が宿る。
この文章が示唆する「生」と「終わり」の関係性について、最も適切な解釈はどれか？
Read this passage:
ある哲学者がかつて言った。「生とは、絶えず自己を創造し、そして同時に、いずれ『終わります』という事実を受け入れるプロセスである。」この言葉は、我々の存在が持つ二面性、すなわち可能性と限界を鋭く指摘している。我々は常に変化し、成長し続けるが、その一方で避けられない終焉へと向かっている。
この文章が示唆する「生」と「終わり」の関係性について、最も適切な解釈はどれか？
文章は、「自己を創造し、そして同時に、いずれ『終わります』という事実を受け入れるプロセスである」と明確に述べており、生が創造と終焉という二面性を持つことを示唆しています。
文章は、「自己を創造し、そして同時に、いずれ『終わります』という事実を受け入れるプロセスである」と明確に述べており、生が創造と終焉という二面性を持つことを示唆しています。
「ビッグフリーズ」説が予測する宇宙の終焉はどのような状態か？
Read this passage:
科学者たちは、宇宙の未来について様々な仮説を立てている。その中には、宇宙が膨張を続け、最終的にはすべてのエネルギーを使い果たして「終わります」という「ビッグフリーズ」説がある。これは、すべての物理法則が許す限りにおいて、最も合理的な予測の一つとされている。
「ビッグフリーズ」説が予測する宇宙の終焉はどのような状態か？
「ビッグフリーズ」説は、「宇宙が膨張を続け、最終的にはすべてのエネルギーを使い果たして『終わります』」と説明されており、これは熱力学的な活動停止を意味します。
「ビッグフリーズ」説は、「宇宙が膨張を続け、最終的にはすべてのエネルギーを使い果たして『終わります』」と説明されており、これは熱力学的な活動停止を意味します。
古典文学における悲劇的な結末が読者に与える影響について、筆者はどのように考えているか？
Read this passage:
古典文学において、物語の結末はしばしば人生の普遍的な真理を映し出す鏡となる。特に、主人公の運命が悲劇的に『終わります』時、読者はその結末から深い洞察を得る。それは単なる物語の終焉ではなく、人間の存在や選択の重みを問いかける契機となるのだ。
古典文学における悲劇的な結末が読者に与える影響について、筆者はどのように考えているか？
文章は、「単なる物語の終焉ではなく、人間の存在や選択の重みを問いかける契機となるのだ」と述べており、読者に深い洞察や問いかけを与えると考えています。
文章は、「単なる物語の終焉ではなく、人間の存在や選択の重みを問いかける契機となるのだ」と述べており、読者に深い洞察や問いかけを与えると考えています。
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Summary
終わります is an essential intransitive verb for saying something ends or finishes naturally, without you ending it.
- Use for things that finish on their own.
- Commonly used for events, classes, or work.
- Always intransitive; no direct object.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
