Translation guide
The English phrase 'be done' can express completion, exhaustion, or a passive state. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Expressing that something is finished or completed.
Expressing that someone is tired of something or has had enough.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'I've had enough' or 'I'm done with this'. Conveys frustration or saturation.
もうたくさんだ。やめる。
I'm done. I quit.
Na-adjective meaning 'to be fed up' or 'to be sick of'. Stronger emotional tone.
Expressing that something is done by someone or something (passive voice).
Passive form of suru-verbs. Indicates that an action is done to the subject.
この仕事は彼によってされた。
This work was done by him.
Passive form of ru-verbs. Indicates that an action is done to the subject.
Avoid directly translating 'be done' as されている for completion. Use 終わる or 済む instead. されている implies an ongoing passive state, not completion.
宿題がされている。
Homework is being done. (Not 'homework is done')
Work is done.
会議はもう終わりましたか。
Is the meeting done already?
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be finished' or 'to be settled'. Often implies relief or that something is taken care of.
宿題が済んだ。
My homework is done.
手続きはもう済みました。
The procedure is already done.
Suru-verb meaning 'to be completed'. More formal, often used in technical or business contexts.
プロジェクトが完了しました。
The project is done.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be completed' or 'to be ready'. Used for creations, preparations, or things being made.
料理ができ上がった。
The food is done.
Suru-verb meaning 'to end' or 'to be terminated'. Very formal, used for events, broadcasts, or operations.
本日の営業は終了しました。
Today's business is done.
彼の言い訳にはうんざりだ。
I'm done with his excuses.
Short phrase meaning 'That's enough' or 'I'm done'. Can sound abrupt.
もういい、帰る。
I'm done, I'm going home.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to get tired of' or 'to lose interest'. Used with に.
このゲームにはもう飽きた。
I'm done with this game.
この絵は有名な画家によって描かれた。
This painting was done by a famous artist.
Expresses having something done by someone as a favor. Implies gratitude.
友達に宿題を手伝ってもらった。
I had my homework done by a friend.