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마무리하다

A2 verb #3,000 most common 13 min read

마무리하다

mamurihada Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 마무리하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 마무리하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of '마무리하다' as a slightly more advanced way to say 'finish.' While you usually learn '끝내다' (to finish) first, '마무리하다' is very useful for talking about your daily routine. For example, you can say 'I finish my homework' (숙제를 마무리해요) or 'I finish my day' (하루를 마무리해요). The word is made of '마무리' (a finish) and '하다' (to do). You can use it whenever you are at the very end of doing something. It's a great word to use because it makes you sound more like a native speaker who cares about doing things properly. Just remember to put the object (the thing you are finishing) before the word and add '을' or '를'. If you are finishing a meal, you can say '식사를 마무리해요.' It's a polite and clear word that everyone will understand. At this stage, don't worry too much about the deep nuances; just use it when you are in the final stage of an activity. It's especially common to use it when you are about to stop doing something and go home or go to sleep. Practice saying '마무리할게요' (I will wrap up) to your friends or teacher when a class or a meeting is ending. It shows you know how to transition smoothly from one activity to the next.

At the A2 level, you should start using '마무리하다' to describe completing specific tasks with a sense of 'wrapping up.' This level focuses on more practical, everyday situations like work and social plans. You might use it to tell a colleague 'I'll wrap up the report and then let's go' (보고서를 마무리하고 가요). Notice how '마무리하다' implies that you are doing the last few steps, like checking for errors or saving the file. It's more than just stopping; it's completing. You will also hear this word often in restaurants. When you've finished the main course of a meal like 'Dakgalbi' or 'Shabu-shabu,' the waiter might ask if you want to '마무리' with fried rice. This is a very cultural use of the word! In your own speech, try to use it with adverbs like '잘' (well) or '깔끔하게' (cleanly). For example, '일을 잘 마무리했어요' (I wrapped up the work well). This shows you are not just doing the work, but you are concerned with the quality of the finish. You can also use it for time periods, like 'wrapping up the week' (주말을 마무리하다). It's a versatile verb that helps you describe the flow of your day and your responsibilities more accurately than the basic '끝내다'.

At the B1 level, you can use '마무리하다' to handle more complex social and professional interactions. You should understand that this word carries a nuance of 'finality and order.' In a business meeting, saying '이제 마무리합시다' (Let's wrap up now) is a professional way to suggest ending the discussion and moving to action items. It sounds much more organized than '이제 끝냅시다' (Let's end now), which can sound a bit abrupt or even rude. You should also be comfortable using the noun form '마무리' in various contexts. For example, '마무리가 중요해요' (The finish is important) or '마무리 작업을 하고 있어요' (I'm doing the finishing work). At this level, you might also encounter the phrase '마무리를 짓다,' which means 'to reach a conclusion' or 'to settle a matter.' This is slightly more idiomatic and emphasizes the act of 'closing' a topic. You can use it for projects, arguments, or even emotional states. For instance, '그와의 문제를 마무리 짓고 싶어요' (I want to settle the issues with him). You should also notice how this word is used in media—news anchors 'wrap up' the news, and vloggers 'wrap up' their videos. It's a key transition word that helps you structure your own speaking and writing in a more sophisticated way.

At the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish '마무리하다' from its close synonyms like '마치다,' '완결하다,' and '종결하다.' You understand that '마무리하다' is the most versatile of these, but it specifically emphasizes the 'polishing' and 'tidying' aspect of completion. You can use it in creative contexts, such as '마무리 터치' (finishing touches) on a design or a piece of writing. You should also be able to use it metaphorically. For example, '인생의 한 단계를 마무리하다' (to conclude a stage of one's life). This shows a high level of linguistic maturity. In professional settings, you might use it to describe the final stage of a negotiation or a deal: '협상을 마무리하는 중입니다' (We are in the process of finalizing the negotiations). You also understand the cultural significance of '마무리' in Korean society—the idea that a good finish reflects one's character and competence. You might use the proverb '유종의 미를 거두다' in conjunction with this verb to express the importance of finishing well. Your use of '마무리하다' should feel natural in both formal and informal contexts, and you should be able to use it to manage the flow of conversations, such as summarizing points before ending a talk.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced command of '마무리하다' and can use it to express subtle differences in meaning. You recognize its role in 'discourse marking'—how it signals the end of a narrative or a logical argument. In academic writing or formal presentations, you might use it to synthesize complex information: '이러한 논의를 마무리하며, 우리는 다음과 같은 결론에 도달할 수 있습니다' (Concluding these discussions, we can reach the following conclusion). You are also aware of its usage in technical fields, such as '마무리 공사' (finishing construction) or '마무리 투수' (closer in baseball), and can discuss these concepts fluently. You can use the word to describe psychological closure as well, discussing how one 'wraps up' past traumas or relationships to move forward. Your vocabulary includes idiomatic expressions like '마침표를 찍다' (to put a period/end to something) as alternatives to '마무리하다' for more dramatic effect. You understand that '마무리하다' often implies a sense of responsibility—that the person finishing the task is taking ownership of the final result. You can use this word to critique the 'finish' of a product, a book, or a policy, discussing whether the '마무리' was sufficient or lacking.

At the C2 level, '마무리하다' is a tool you use with precision and stylistic flair. You can weave it into complex rhetorical structures, using it to provide satisfying closure to intricate arguments or narratives. You understand the deep etymological and cultural roots of the word, perhaps even relating it to the Korean tradition of 'wrapping' (보자기), where the act of 'wrapping up' is an art form in itself. You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as legal '종결' (termination) versus the more general '마무리,' and explain the legal and social implications of each. You might use '마무리하다' to describe the culmination of a lifelong career or a historical era, imbuing the word with a sense of gravity and reflection. Your speech and writing demonstrate an effortless ability to switch between '마무리하다' and its more obscure synonyms like '매듭짓다' or '낙착되다' (to be settled/concluded) depending on the desired tone. You can also use the word in a self-reflexive way, discussing the process of '마무리' itself as a philosophical concept—the idea that nothing is truly finished until it is properly 'wrapped.' You are a master of the 'finish,' both in your linguistic output and in the way you describe the world around you.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

마무리하다 in 30 Seconds

마무리하다 means 'to wrap up' or 'finalize,' focusing on the concluding steps of a task.
It differs from '끝내다' by implying a more organized and thorough completion process.
Commonly used in professional meetings, finishing meals, and concluding a day or year.
Often paired with adverbs like '깔끔하게' (cleanly) or '성공적으로' (successfully).

The Korean verb 마무리하다 is a multifaceted term that translates most accurately to 'to wrap up,' 'to finish off,' or 'to bring to a conclusion.' While the simpler verb 끝내다 denotes a general ending, 마무리하다 carries a specific nuance of completion that involves tidying up loose ends or putting the final touches on a task. It implies a sense of order and intentionality. Imagine you are working on a painting; 끝내다 is when you stop painting, but 마무리하다 is when you sign your name, clean your brushes, and prepare the canvas for display. This word is ubiquitous in professional settings, creative endeavors, and daily life rituals. It is composed of the noun 마무리 (finish/wrap-up) and the verb 하다 (to do). In a corporate context, you will hear it during meetings when a leader wants to synthesize the discussion. In a domestic context, it refers to finishing the day's chores or winding down before bed. The cultural weight of this word reflects the Korean emphasis on 'finishing well'—a concept known as 유종의 미 (the beauty of a good end). It suggests that how you finish something is just as important as how you started it. Whether you are finishing a meal, a speech, or a long-term project, using 마무리하다 signals that you are not just stopping, but you are concluding with care and precision. It is used in the active voice when a subject completes an action, and its noun form, 마무리, is often used with other verbs like 짓다 (to build/make) to form 마무리를 짓다, which means 'to reach a conclusion.'

Context: Business: Used when finalizing reports, ending meetings, or closing deals. It implies all details are checked.

오늘 회의는 여기서 마무리하겠습니다. (We will wrap up today's meeting here.)

Context: Daily Life: Used for ending a day, finishing a meal (like fried rice at the end of a hot pot), or completing a workout.

따뜻한 차 한 잔으로 하루를 마무리해요. (I wrap up my day with a cup of warm tea.)

In the realm of sports, a 'closer' in baseball is often called a 마무리 투수 (finishing pitcher), emphasizing the role of securing the final outs to ensure victory. Similarly, in construction or interior design, 마무리 작업 refers to the final coating, sanding, or polishing that makes a product look finished. This linguistic versatility makes it an essential word for learners to master. It bridges the gap between simple action and professional competence. When you use this word, you are communicating that you have a handle on the entire process, from start to finish. It is not merely about the passage of time reaching an end point; it is about the active effort to bring something to its intended state of completion. In social settings, saying 슬슬 마무리할까요? (Shall we start wrapping up?) is a polite way to suggest ending a gathering without being abrupt. It acknowledges that the main event is over and suggests a smooth transition to the next phase.

글의 마지막 문단을 마무리하는 것이 가장 어려워요. (Finishing the last paragraph of the writing is the hardest part.)

Context: Emotional/Relational: Used when ending relationships or stages of life cleanly, without lingering regrets or unresolved issues.

그와의 관계를 깔끔하게 마무리했습니다. (I concluded my relationship with him cleanly.)

프로젝트를 성공적으로 마무리해서 기뻐요. (I'm happy to have wrapped up the project successfully.)

Using 마무리하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and common pairings. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes an object marked by the particles -을 or -를. The most common objects are nouns representing tasks, periods of time, or physical objects being worked on. For instance, 일을 마무리하다 (to finish work), 준비를 마무리하다 (to finish preparations), and 한 해를 마무리하다 (to wrap up a year). When you want to express the process of finishing, you can use the progressive form -고 있다, as in 지금 마무리하고 있어요 (I am wrapping it up now). This is a very common response when someone asks if you are done with a task but you still have a few minutes of work left. It sounds much more proactive and organized than simply saying 'I'm not done.' By using 마무리하다, you indicate that the bulk of the work is complete and you are in the final stage. The verb can also be used in the passive sense or as a noun in phrases like 마무리가 잘 되다 (The wrap-up is going well). This focus on the 'state' of the finish is a key feature of Korean sentence structure.

Grammar: Transitive Usage: [Object] + 을/를 + 마무리하다. This is the standard way to say you are finishing something specific.

보고서를 오늘까지 마무리해야 합니다. (I must finalize the report by today.)

Grammar: Adverbial Modifiers: Often used with adverbs like '깔끔하게' (cleanly), '성공적으로' (successfully), or '급하게' (hurriedly).

그는 일을 아주 깔끔하게 마무리하는 편이에요. (He tends to wrap things up very cleanly.)

In formal speeches, you might hear the phrase 말씀을 마무리하겠습니다, which translates to 'I will conclude my remarks.' This is a polite transition that signals to the audience that the speech is ending. In writing, 마무리하다 is used to describe the act of concluding an essay or a chapter. The nuance of 'polishing' is very strong here. If you just 'end' an essay, it might feel abrupt; if you '마무리' an essay, it feels like you have summarized your points and provided a satisfying closing. Furthermore, the word can be used in the causative or passive constructions, though less commonly than the simple active form. For example, 마무리 짓다 (to bring to a close) is a common idiomatic alternative that emphasizes the 'settling' of a matter. If a project has been dragging on, saying 이제는 마무리를 지어야 할 때입니다 (Now is the time to bring this to a close) adds a sense of finality and resolution. This verb is also essential for describing the end of seasons or stages of life. Graduating from school is not just 'ending' school; it is 학업을 마무리하다 (concluding one's studies), which sounds more respectful of the effort put in over the years.

올해를 잘 마무리하고 내년을 준비합시다. (Let's wrap up this year well and prepare for next year.)

Context: Sports Commentary: Used when a player scores the final point or a pitcher finishes the game.

손흥민 선수가 멋진 골로 경기를 마무리했습니다! (Son Heung-min finished the game with a wonderful goal!)

짐 정리를 마무리하는 데 한 시간이나 걸렸어요. (It took a whole hour to wrap up organizing the luggage.)

In South Korea, 마무리하다 is a word you will encounter daily, from the morning news to late-night variety shows. In the workplace, it is perhaps one of the most frequently used verbs. Managers will ask, 어디까지 마무리됐나요? (How much has been wrapped up?) or 빨리 마무리해 주세요 (Please finish it up quickly). This reflects the fast-paced 'Pali-Pali' culture where efficient completion is highly valued. However, it's not just about speed; it's about the 'clean' finish. If you hear a colleague say they need to '마무리' something, it usually implies they are in the 'checking' phase—fixing typos, formatting, and ensuring the final product is presentable. On television, particularly in cooking shows, the host will often say, 마지막으로 참기름을 뿌려 마무리합니다 (Finally, finish it off by drizzling sesame oil). Here, the word highlights the 'finishing touch' that completes the dish's flavor profile. In news broadcasts, anchors use it to transition between segments: 뉴스를 마무리하며... (As we wrap up the news...). This usage is formal and helps structure the flow of information for the viewer. Even in casual settings, like a group of friends ending a night out, someone might say, 오늘 너무 즐거웠어. 노래방으로 마무리할까? (Today was so fun. Shall we wrap up with karaoke?). In this context, it suggests a final, climactic activity to end the day on a high note.

TV & Media: Commonly heard in 'vlogs' or lifestyle programs when people describe how they end their day or a specific project.

오늘의 브이로그는 여기서 마무리할게요. (I'll wrap up today's vlog here.)

Sports Commentary: Used when a team secures a win or a player completes a series of movements perfectly.

완벽한 수비로 경기를 마무리했습니다. (They wrapped up the game with perfect defense.)

The word also appears frequently in educational settings. A teacher might say, 자, 이제 수업 마무리합시다 (Okay, let's wrap up the class now). This is the cue for students to start packing their bags. In the world of art and design, 마무리 is critical. A designer might spend hours on the '마무리 작업' (finishing work), which involves checking colors, alignment, and final exports. If you visit a construction site in Korea, you'll see signs mentioning 마감 (deadline/finish) which is related in concept. While 마감 is the deadline itself, 마무리 is the action of reaching that deadline with a completed product. Finally, in interpersonal relationships, '마무리' is used to describe the process of closure. When two people break up or a business partnership ends, the way they '마무리' matters immensely for their future reputation and peace of mind. A 'clean wrap-up' (깔끔한 마무리) is highly respected in Korean society as it shows maturity and respect for the other party.

인터뷰를 마무리하며 마지막으로 하고 싶은 말씀이 있으신가요? (As we wrap up the interview, do you have any final words you'd like to say?)

Construction & Crafts: Refers to the final layer of paint, the last nail, or the polishing of a surface.

인테리어 마무리 단계에 들어갔습니다. (We have entered the finishing stage of the interior design.)

연말이라 다들 한 해를 마무리하느라 바쁘네요. (Since it's the end of the year, everyone is busy wrapping up the year.)

For English speakers, the primary challenge with 마무리하다 is distinguishing it from other 'ending' verbs like 끝내다, 마치다, and 완성하다. A common mistake is using 끝내다 when you actually mean to 'wrap up' a complex task. While 끝내다 is perfectly fine for stopping an action (like 'I finished eating'), 마무리하다 is better suited for things that have a structure or required a process. For example, if you say 프로젝트를 끝냈어요, it just means you are done. If you say 프로젝트를 마무리했어요, it sounds like you've done the final checks, handed in the deliverables, and archived the files. Another mistake is confusing it with 완성하다 (to complete/perfect). 완성하다 is used for building something or creating a work of art from scratch until it's 'complete.' 마무리하다 is the act of doing the *final* part of that completion. You can '마무리' a '완성' process, but you don't usually '완성' a meeting—you '마무리' it. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the particle usage. Since it's a 'noun + 하다' verb, some might try to say 마무리를 하다 (to do the finish) instead of 마무리하다. While both are grammatically correct, 마무리하다 is the more common, integrated verb form.

Mistake: Overusing 끝내다: Don't just use '끝내다' for everything. Use '마무리하다' for tasks that require a 'final touch' or a 'clean exit'.

❌ 숙제를 끝냈어요 (Fine, but simple). ✅ 숙제를 마무리했어요 (Sounds like you checked it over).

Mistake: Confusion with 완성하다: '완성하다' is for 'building/creating' something whole. '마무리하다' is for 'wrapping up' any kind of activity.

❌ 회의를 완성합시다. (Wrong: You didn't 'build' the meeting). ✅ 회의를 마무리합시다.

Another nuance to watch out for is the difference between 마무리하다 and 마치다. 마치다 is a very formal way to say 'finish' or 'complete' (like completing a curriculum or a formal ceremony). 마무리하다 is slightly more versatile and common in everyday spoken Korean. If you use 마치다 in a casual conversation about finishing a game, it might sound a bit stiff. Conversely, using 마무리하다 in a very high-level academic context might feel slightly less 'stately' than 마치다, though it's rarely 'wrong.' Finally, be careful with the word 정리하다 (to organize/tidy up). Sometimes 'wrapping up' involves 'organizing' (like cleaning your desk), but 마무리하다 refers to the completion of the *task itself*, whereas 정리하다 refers to the physical or mental organization of items. If you are ending a project, you 마무리 the project and then 정리 your files.

❌ 오늘 하루를 완결했어요. (Wrong: '완결' is for book series/plots). ✅ 오늘 하루를 잘 마무리했어요.

Mistake: Misusing Noun Form: Sometimes people say '마무리를 끝내다' (to finish the finish), which is redundant. Just say '마무리하다' or '마무리를 짓다'.

❌ 마무리를 끝냈어요. ✅ 마무리를 지었어요. ✅ 마무리했어요.

발표를 마무리할 시간이 다 되었습니다. (It's almost time to wrap up the presentation.)

To truly master 마무리하다, you must understand the landscape of its synonyms. Each word for 'finish' in Korean has a unique flavor and specific use case. 끝내다 is the most general and common 'finish.' It's the default word for ending an action. 마치다 is its more formal cousin, often used for graduating, completing a course, or finishing a formal speech. 완결하다 is specifically used for the 'completion' of a story, a book series, or a webtoon—it implies that the narrative arc has reached its logical conclusion. 종결하다 is a highly formal, often legal or administrative term meaning 'to terminate' or 'to bring to a definitive close.' You might hear this in a courtroom or a government report. 매듭짓다 is a beautiful idiomatic alternative that literally means 'to tie a knot.' It is used when you want to emphasize that a long-running issue or a complex situation has finally been settled and 'tied up' so it won't unravel again. Using these words correctly will make your Korean sound much more natural and precise.

마무리하다 vs. 끝내다: '끝내다' is just the end. '마무리하다' is the end with the loose ends tied up and the final checks done.

마무리하다 vs. 마치다: '마치다' is more formal and often implies a 'completion' of a set requirement (like a degree). '마무리하다' is more about the 'wrapping up' process.

마무리하다 vs. 완결하다: '완결하다' is for creative works (novels, comics). You don't '완결' your lunch, you '마무리' it.

드디어 소설을 완결했습니다. (I finally completed the novel.) vs. 오늘 원고를 마무리했습니다. (I finished wrapping up the manuscript today.)

Another interesting comparison is with 해치우다. This verb means 'to finish off' but with a nuance of doing it quickly or getting it out of the way, often because the task is unpleasant or burdensome. For example, 빨리 해치우자! (Let's get this over with!). This is the opposite of 마무리하다, which implies care and attention to detail. If you '마무리' a task, you take pride in the finish. If you '해치우다' a task, you just want it to be gone. There's also 매듭짓다, which is often used in political or social contexts. When a long-standing dispute is finally resolved, the news might say 갈등을 매듭지었다 (The conflict was tied up/settled). This suggests a more definitive and permanent ending than just '마무리하다.' Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the exact right word for the situation, making your Korean not just 'correct' but 'expressive.'

밀린 집안일을 오전 중에 해치웠어요. (I knocked out the piled-up chores during the morning.)

마무리하다 vs. 매듭짓다: '매듭짓다' is more metaphorical and permanent. '마무리하다' is the standard verb for the final stage of any activity.

긴 회의를 이제 매듭지을 때입니다. (It is time to finally settle/conclude this long meeting.)

그는 자신의 생애를 아름답게 마무리했습니다. (He concluded his life beautifully.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of 'wrapping' is central to Korean culture (think of Bojagi wrapping cloths). '마무리하다' evokes this image of neatly bundling something up so it is secure and presentable.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ma.mu.ɾi.ɦa.da/

US /mɑ.mu.ɾi.hɑ.dɑ/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, though there is a slight melodic rise on the second or third syllable in natural speech.

Rhymes With

기다리다 (gi-da-ri-da) 요리하다 (yo-ri-ha-da) 정리하다 (jeong-ri-ha-da) 처리하다 (cheo-ri-ha-da) 수리하다 (su-ri-ha-da) 유리하다 (yu-ri-ha-da) 무리하다 (mu-ri-ha-da) 관리하다 (gwan-ri-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ri' as a hard English 'r' (keep it light and tapped).
Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'ha'.
Pronouncing 'da' like 'the' (vowel should be 'ah').
Breaking 'ma-mu-ri' and 'ha-da' into two separate words with a long pause.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word itself is easy to recognize, but its nuance in different contexts takes some practice.

Writing 3/5

Using the correct particle and choosing it over '끝내다' requires intermediate knowledge.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, and it's a very useful 'utility' verb.

Listening 2/5

It's clearly articulated in formal settings like news and meetings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 (to do) 끝 (end) 끝내다 (to finish) 일 (work) 준비 (preparation)

Learn Next

마치다 (to complete) 완성하다 (to perfect) 정리하다 (to organize) 해결하다 (to solve) 결정하다 (to decide)

Advanced

종결하다 (to terminate) 완결하다 (to complete a series) 매듭짓다 (to settle/tie up) 유종의 미 (beauty of a good end)

Grammar to Know

-기 위해 (In order to)

일을 마무리하기 위해 야근을 했어요. (I worked overtime in order to wrap up the work.)

-(으)면서 (While)

음악을 들으면서 하루를 마무리해요. (I wrap up my day while listening to music.)

-는 대로 (As soon as)

준비를 마무리하는 대로 출발합시다. (Let's leave as soon as we finish the preparations.)

-아/어 놓다 (To do something in advance/keep a state)

일을 다 마무리해 놓았어요. (I have finished all the work [and it's ready].)

-고 있다 (Progressive)

지금 마무리하고 있으니까 잠시만 기다려 주세요. (I'm wrapping it up now, so please wait a moment.)

Examples by Level

저는 숙제를 마무리해요.

I wrap up my homework.

Simple present tense with an object.

회의를 마무리합시다.

Let's wrap up the meeting.

Let's (-(으)ㅂ시다) form.

일을 빨리 마무리하세요.

Please finish the work quickly.

Imperative (-세요) form.

오늘 하루를 마무리해요.

I'm wrapping up my day.

Daily routine context.

식사를 마무리했어요.

I finished the meal.

Past tense (-었어요).

운동을 마무리해요.

I'm finishing my workout.

Present tense.

준비를 마무리하세요.

Please finish the preparations.

Polite command.

책 읽기를 마무리했어요.

I finished reading the book.

Gerund (읽기) as object.

보고서를 깔끔하게 마무리했어요.

I wrapped up the report cleanly.

Adverb '깔끔하게' modifying the verb.

볶음밥으로 식사를 마무리할까요?

Shall we finish the meal with fried rice?

Suggestion form (-(으)ㄹ까요?).

짐 정리를 마무리하고 나갈게요.

I'll wrap up organizing the luggage and then go out.

Sequential action (-고).

5시까지는 일을 마무리해야 해요.

I have to finish the work by 5 o'clock.

Obligation (-해야 하다).

이번 주말을 어떻게 마무리할 거예요?

How are you going to wrap up this weekend?

Future tense (-(으)ㄹ 거예요).

청소를 거의 마무리했어요.

I've almost finished the cleaning.

Adverb '거의' (almost).

편지 쓰기를 마무리하고 있어요.

I am finishing writing the letter.

Progressive form (-고 있다).

여행 계획을 마무리합시다.

Let's finalize the travel plans.

Formal suggestion.

이제 마무리를 지어야 할 때입니다.

Now is the time to bring this to a close.

Idiomatic phrase '마무리를 짓다'.

프로젝트를 성공적으로 마무리해서 기뻐요.

I'm happy because we wrapped up the project successfully.

Reason/Cause (-어서).

이야기를 어떻게 마무리할지 고민이에요.

I'm worried about how to finish the story.

Indirect question (-을지).

회의 내용을 간단히 마무리해 주세요.

Please briefly wrap up the meeting contents.

Adverb '간단히' (briefly).

따뜻한 차 한 잔으로 하루를 마무리하면 좋아요.

It's good to wrap up the day with a cup of warm tea.

Condition (-면).

그는 모든 일을 완벽하게 마무리하는 성격이에요.

He has a personality that finishes everything perfectly.

Noun modifying form (-는).

계약서 검토를 마무리하는 대로 연락드릴게요.

I'll contact you as soon as I finish reviewing the contract.

As soon as (-는 대로).

올해를 잘 마무리하고 내년을 준비합시다.

Let's wrap up this year well and prepare for next year.

Sequential actions.

마지막 단락을 마무리하는 데 시간이 좀 걸렸어요.

It took some time to finish the last paragraph.

In the process of doing (-는 데).

유종의 미를 거둘 수 있도록 끝까지 마무리 잘 하세요.

Please finish well until the end so you can reap the beauty of a good finish.

Purpose (-도록) and proverb.

이 사건은 경찰의 조사로 마무리되었습니다.

This case was concluded with the police investigation.

Passive form (-되었습니다).

그는 자신의 생애를 아름답게 마무리했습니다.

He concluded his life beautifully.

Metaphorical usage.

디자인의 마무리 작업만 남았습니다.

Only the finishing work for the design remains.

Noun '마무리' used as a modifier.

협상을 유리하게 마무리하기 위해 노력 중입니다.

We are making efforts to conclude the negotiations favorably.

In order to (-기 위해).

그 가수는 멋진 무대로 콘서트를 마무리했어요.

The singer wrapped up the concert with a great performance.

Method/Means (-로).

학업을 마무리하고 취업 준비를 시작했어요.

I finished my studies and started preparing for a job.

Sequential action.

이 논문은 결론 부분에서 주제를 다시 한번 강조하며 마무리합니다.

This paper concludes by emphasizing the theme once more in the conclusion section.

Formal academic style.

정부는 이번 정책 논란을 조속히 마무리하겠다고 밝혔습니다.

The government announced that it would conclude the policy controversy as soon as possible.

Quoted speech (-고 밝히다).

화가는 그림의 구석구석을 세심하게 마무리했습니다.

The painter meticulously finished every corner of the painting.

Adverb '세심하게' (meticulously).

오랜 갈등을 대화로 마무리하는 것은 결코 쉬운 일이 아닙니다.

Concluding a long conflict through dialogue is by no means an easy task.

Noun phrase as subject (-는 것).

그의 연설은 청중에게 깊은 울림을 주며 마무리되었습니다.

His speech concluded, leaving a deep resonance with the audience.

Simultaneous action (-며).

인테리어 공사의 마무리 단계에서 하자가 발견되었습니다.

A defect was discovered during the finishing stage of the interior work.

Passive voice '발견되었습니다'.

그 팀은 마지막 공격 기회를 살리지 못하고 경기를 마무리했습니다.

The team finished the game without being able to capitalize on their final attack opportunity.

Negative form (-지 못하고).

인터뷰를 마무리하며 마지막으로 당부하고 싶은 말씀이 있나요?

As we wrap up the interview, is there any final advice you'd like to give?

Participial phrase (-하며).

철학자는 인간 존재의 유한성을 논하며 저서를 마무리했습니다.

The philosopher concluded his book by discussing the finiteness of human existence.

High-level vocabulary (유한성, 저서).

외교적 마찰을 원만하게 마무리하는 것이 국가 이익에 부합합니다.

Concluding diplomatic friction smoothly is in accordance with national interests.

Formal verb '부합하다'.

그 감독은 열린 결말로 영화를 마무리하여 관객에게 상상의 여지를 남겼습니다.

The director concluded the movie with an open ending, leaving room for the audience's imagination.

Causative logic (-하여).

역사학자들은 그 시대를 전쟁의 종식과 함께 마무리된 것으로 평가합니다.

Historians evaluate that era as having concluded with the end of the war.

Evaluative structure (-로 평가하다).

작가는 수년간의 집필 활동을 이번 작품으로 마무리하겠다고 선언했습니다.

The author declared that they would conclude their years of writing activity with this work.

Formal declaration (-고 선언하다).

복잡하게 얽힌 이해관계를 깔끔하게 마무리하는 것은 고도의 전략이 필요합니다.

Concluding complexly intertwined interests cleanly requires a high-level strategy.

Complex subject phrase.

그의 연주는 마지막 음을 길게 끌며 여운을 남기고 마무리되었습니다.

His performance concluded by drawing out the last note, leaving a lingering impression.

Descriptive style.

기업은 대규모 구조조정을 마무리하고 새로운 도약을 준비하고 있습니다.

The company has finished a large-scale restructuring and is preparing for a new leap forward.

Business terminology (구조조정, 도약).

Common Collocations

일을 마무리하다

하루를 마무리하다

회의를 마무리하다

준비를 마무리하다

성공적으로 마무리하다

깔끔하게 마무리하다

한 해를 마무리하다

보고서를 마무리하다

식사를 마무리하다

논의를 마무리하다

Common Phrases

슬슬 마무리할까요?

— Shall we start wrapping up? Used to suggest ending a meeting or gathering politely.

시간이 늦었으니 슬슬 마무리할까요?

마무리 작업

— Finishing work. The final steps or touches required to complete something.

지금은 마무리 작업 단계예요.

마무리가 중요하다

— The finish is important. Emphasizes that how you end something matters.

시작보다 마무리가 중요해요.

마무리를 짓다

— To reach a conclusion or settle something definitively.

드디어 그 일을 마무리를 지었어요.

마무리 단계

— The final stage of a process or project.

공사가 이제 마무리 단계에 접어들었어요.

마무리 투수

— A closer (in baseball). The pitcher who finishes the game.

우리 팀 마무리 투수가 마운드에 올라왔어요.

마무리 멘트

— Closing remarks. The final words of a speech or broadcast.

사회자의 마무리 멘트가 인상적이었어요.

마무리로 볶음밥

— Fried rice as the finish. A common way to end a meal in Korea.

한국인은 마무리로 볶음밥을 꼭 먹어야 해요.

깔끔한 마무리

— A clean finish. Completing something without leaving any issues.

그의 깔끔한 마무리에 모두가 감탄했어요.

마무리할 시간

— Time to wrap up.

이제 마무리할 시간입니다.

Often Confused With

마무리하다 vs 끝내다

끝내다 is general; 마무리하다 focuses on the final touches and organization.

마무리하다 vs 마치다

마치다 is more formal and often used for completing a curriculum or ceremony.

마무리하다 vs 완성하다

완성하다 means to 'complete building' something; 마무리하다 is to 'wrap up' any task.

Idioms & Expressions

"유종의 미를 거두다"

— To reap the beauty of a good end. It means to finish something successfully and beautifully.

끝까지 최선을 다해 유종의 미를 거둡시다.

Formal/Inspirational

"마침표를 찍다"

— To put a period to something. It means to end something permanently or decisively.

그는 오랜 선수 생활에 마침표를 찍었습니다.

Formal/Literary

"끝을 보다"

— To see the end. To persist with something until it is completely finished.

시작했으면 끝을 봐야지.

Neutral

"대미를 장식하다"

— To decorate the grand finale. To end something in a spectacular or significant way.

그의 골이 경기의 대미를 장식했어요.

Formal/Journalistic

"손을 떼다"

— To take one's hands off. To finish or stop being involved in something.

이제 그 일에서 손을 떼고 마무리하려고 해요.

Neutral/Informal

"마무리가 흐지부지되다"

— To end up being vague or unfinished. Used when something ends without a clear result.

계획이 마무리가 흐지부지되어서 아쉬워요.

Informal

"뒷심이 부족하다"

— To lack 'back-strength' (stamina at the end). Used when someone starts well but finishes poorly.

그는 뒷심이 부족해서 마무리가 약해요.

Neutral

"화룡점정"

— To dot the eye of the dragon. Adding the final, crucial touch that brings something to life.

이 소스가 요리의 화룡점정이에요.

Formal/Idiomatic

"유종의 미"

— The beauty of the end. The concept of finishing a task well.

유종의 미를 위해 조금만 더 힘내세요.

Formal

"마무리 짓다"

— To reach a final conclusion or settlement.

오늘 안으로 이 일을 마무리 지읍시다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

마무리하다 vs 정리하다

Both involve 'tidying up' at the end.

정리하다 is about organization (physical or mental), while 마무리하다 is about completing the task itself.

책상을 정리하고(Organize desk) 공부를 마무리했어요(Finish studying).

마무리하다 vs 완결하다

Both mean 'to finish'.

완결하다 is strictly for stories, books, or series. 마무리하다 is for general tasks.

소설을 완결하고(Finish novel series) 원고를 마무리했어요(Wrap up manuscript).

마무리하다 vs 해치우다

Both mean 'to finish off'.

해치우다 implies speed and getting rid of a burden, while 마무리하다 implies care and quality.

설거지를 해치웠어요(Got dishes done fast) vs 식사를 마무리했어요(Finished meal nicely).

마무리하다 vs 결말짓다

Both involve reaching an end.

결말짓다 is more about the 'outcome' or 'ending' of a story or event, whereas 마무리하다 is the 'action' of finishing.

사건의 결말을 짓다(Decide the outcome) vs 수사를 마무리하다(Finish the investigation work).

마무리하다 vs 마감하다

Both relate to deadlines.

마감하다 is often used for closing business for the day or reaching a strict deadline (like construction or sales).

오늘 영업을 마감합니다(Closing business) vs 작업을 마무리합니다(Finishing work).

Sentence Patterns

[Object]을/를 마무리해요.

숙제를 마무리해요.

[Object]을/를 [Time]까지 마무리해야 해요.

보고서를 3시까지 마무리해야 해요.

[Object]을/를 [Adverb]하게 마무리하다.

일을 깔끔하게 마무리했어요.

[Object]을/를 마무리하는 중이다.

준비를 마무리하는 중이에요.

[Object]을/를 마무리하며 [Action].

회의를 마무리하며 다음 약속을 잡았어요.

[Object]을/를 마무리할 때가 되다.

이제 이 사업을 마무리할 때가 되었어요.

[Context]을/를 [Reason]으로 마무리짓다.

갈등을 대화로 마무리지었습니다.

[Abstract Noun]을/를 통해 [Object]을/를 마무리하다.

통찰력을 통해 논의를 마무리했습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

마무리 A finish, a wrap-up, a conclusion.

Verbs

마무르다 An older, less common form of '마무리하다' meaning to tie up or finish.

끝 (end)

마지막 (the last)

마감 (deadline)

완성 (completion)

정리 (organization)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in work, dining, and time-management contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '마무리하다' for starting something. → 시작하다
Learners sometimes confuse 'ending' and 'starting' verbs. '마무리' is only for the end.
Using '완성하다' for finishing a meeting. → 마무리하다
'완성하다' is for building/creating something. You wrap up a meeting, you don't build it to completion.
Saying '마무리를 끝내다'. → 마무리하다
This is redundant (literally 'finishing the finish'). Use '마무리하다' or '마무리를 짓다' instead.
Using '완결하다' for finishing a meal. → 마무리하다
'완결하다' is only for series, books, or plots. Meals are '마무리'ed.
Forgetting the object particle -을/를 in formal writing. → 보고서를 마무리하다
In formal writing, the particle is essential. '보고서 마무리하다' is too casual for a report.

Tips

Use it for 'Final Touches'

Whenever you are 90% done with a task and just doing the last bits, use '마무리하고 있어요' (I'm wrapping it up).

The Rice Finish

In Korea, fried rice at the end of a meal is called the 'K-Dessert' or '마무리'. Don't miss it!

Polite Transitions

Use '마무리하면서...' to transition to your final point in a speech or presentation. It prepares the audience for the end.

Show Competence

Saying '일을 깔끔하게 마무리했습니다' (I finished the work cleanly) makes you sound very reliable to Korean bosses.

Particle Check

Always remember the object particle -을/를. '회의를 마무리하다', not '회의 마무리하다' (though the latter is okay in fast speech).

Pair with '짓다'

Try saying '마무리를 짓다' for more emphasis on settling a complex matter once and for all.

Listen for '슬슬'

'슬슬 마무리할까요?' is the universal signal in Korea that it's time to start thinking about going home.

Essay Closings

In the final paragraph of an essay, '결론적으로, 이 논의를 마무리하며...' is a classic, high-level opening.

Closure

In relationships or business, focus on a 'clean wrap-up' (깔끔한 마무리) to maintain your 'Chemyeon' (face/reputation).

Think of Knots

Remember the word comes from tying up the ends of a cloth. It's about securing everything so it doesn't fall apart.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ma' (Mom) and 'Muri' (Too much). When Mom says you've done 'too much' work, it's time to '마무리' (wrap it up) and go to bed.

Visual Association

Imagine a gift box. You've put the gift inside, but it's not '마무리' until you tie the beautiful ribbon on top.

Word Web

Work Meeting Day Year Meal Project Speech Closing

Challenge

Try to use '마무리할게요' instead of '끝낼게요' today whenever you finish a task. See if it feels more professional!

Word Origin

The word '마무리' is purely Korean in origin. It is the noun form of the older verb '마무르다.'

Original meaning: The root '마무르다' originally referred to the act of tying up the loose ends of a piece of cloth, a bag, or a piece of sewing to prevent it from unraveling.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but finishing a conversation or meeting too abruptly without a proper '마무리' can be seen as impolite in hierarchical Korean culture.

While English speakers use 'wrap up' similarly, '마무리하다' is often used in situations where English speakers might just say 'finish' or 'done'.

The '마무리 투수' (Closer) is a hero in Korean baseball culture. K-Pop idols often use '마무리 멘트' to thank fans at the end of concerts. Cooking shows like 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator' often focus on the '마무리' plating.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office/Work

보고서를 마무리하다
회의를 마무리하다
업무를 마무리하다
프로젝트를 마무리하다

Dining

식사를 마무리하다
볶음밥으로 마무리하다
디저트로 마무리하다
술자리를 마무리하다

Daily Routine

하루를 마무리하다
청소를 마무리하다
숙제를 마무리하다
운동을 마무리하다

Media/Events

방송을 마무리하다
축제를 마무리하다
인터뷰를 마무리하다
공연을 마무리하다

Life/Time

한 해를 마무리하다
학업을 마무리하다
관계를 마무리하다
생애를 마무리하다

Conversation Starters

"오늘 일은 언제쯤 마무리될 것 같아요? (When do you think today's work will be wrapped up?)"

"올해를 어떻게 마무리하고 싶으세요? (How do you want to wrap up this year?)"

"우리 회의는 여기서 마무리할까요? (Shall we wrap up our meeting here?)"

"이 프로젝트를 성공적으로 마무리하려면 무엇이 더 필요할까요? (What more do we need to wrap up this project successfully?)"

"하루를 마무리할 때 가장 즐거운 일은 무엇인가요? (What is the most enjoyable thing when you wrap up your day?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루를 어떻게 마무리했는지 써 보세요. (Write about how you wrapped up your day today.)

가장 기억에 남는 '성공적인 마무리'는 무엇이었나요? (What was the most memorable 'successful wrap-up' for you?)

앞으로 5년 뒤, 당신의 학업이나 커리어를 어떻게 마무리하고 싶나요? (In 5 years, how do you want to conclude your studies or career?)

인간관계에서 '깔끔한 마무리'가 왜 중요하다고 생각하나요? (Why do you think a 'clean wrap-up' is important in relationships?)

최근에 마무리한 책이나 영화에 대해 짧게 비평해 보세요. (Write a short critique of a book or movie you recently finished.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes! It's very common. It implies you are finishing the last bit of the meal, often with a specific dish like fried rice or dessert. Example: '식사를 마무리할까요?'

Generally, yes. It sounds more professional and organized. If you are at work, '마무리하다' is usually the better choice to show you are thorough.

'마무리' is the noun (a finish/wrap-up), and '마무리하다' is the verb (to wrap up). You can use the noun in phrases like '마무리가 좋다' (The finish is good).

Yes, but it sounds quite clinical or decisive. '그와의 관계를 마무리했다' means you have officially and cleanly ended the relationship.

They are very similar, but '마무리 짓다' (literally 'to build a finish') adds a bit more emphasis on the act of reaching a final resolution or settlement.

You can say '슬슬 마무리하자' (Let's start wrapping up) or '이제 그만하자' (Let's stop now/Let's call it a day).

It means 'Closer'. This is the pitcher who comes in at the end of the game to secure the win.

Yes, it's very common to say '한 해를 마무리하다' (to wrap up a year) especially in December.

Indirectly, yes. It implies putting things in order so the task is 'ready' and 'done'. If you finish a project, '마무리' includes the final checks and organization.

Yes, players '마무리' a play or a game. Example: '멋진 슛으로 경기를 마무리했어요' (Finished the game with a great shot).