Translation guide
The English word "done" can express completion, readiness, exhaustion, or finality. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Expressing that a task or action is finished.
Past tense of 終わる (to end/finish). The most common way to say something is done.
宿題はもう終わった。
I've already finished my homework.
Let's go for a drink when work is done.
Past tense of できる (to be completed/made). Emphasizes the result rather than the process.
Past tense of 済む (to be finished/over). Often used for obligations or troublesome tasks.
手続きはもう済んだ。
The procedures are already done.
Formal, often used in technical or business contexts.
インストールが完了しました。
Installation is complete.
Indicating that something is ready or that you have finished preparing.
Same as above, but used for readiness. Very common.
準備はできた？
Are you done preparing? / Are you ready?
もう出かけられる？ ーうん、できたよ。
Can you go out now? - Yeah, I'm done (ready).
Literally 'preparations are done'. Slightly more explicit than できた.
夕食の用意ができました。
Dinner is ready.
Expressing that you are extremely tired or finished physically/mentally.
Literally 'It's no good already'. A very common way to say 'I'm done' when exhausted.
ああ、疲れた。もうダメだ。
Ah, I'm tired. I'm done.
Onomatopoeic word meaning exhausted.
一日中歩いて、もうへとへとだ。
I walked all day, I'm completely done.
Similar to へとへと, meaning worn out.
残業でくたくただよ。
I'm done from overtime work.
Describing food that is fully cooked.
Past tense of 焼ける (to be cooked/baked/grilled). Used for grilled, baked, or fried items.
肉がちょうどよく焼けた。
The meat is done just right.
Past tense of 煮える (to be boiled/simmered). Used for boiled or stewed foods.
じゃがいもが煮えた。
The potatoes are done.
Literally 'fire has passed through'. A general expression for food being cooked through.
中まで火が通ったか確認して。
Check if it's done all the way through.
Saying that a relationship, event, or period is over.
Same as 'finished', but can also mean a relationship is over.
彼とはもう終わった。
It's over between me and him. / We're done.
Emphatic way to say 'it's all over'.
これで全ておしまいだ。
It's all done now.
The English word 'done' is not used as a loanword in Japanese. Using ドン (don) would not be understood.
終わった focuses on the end of a process, while できた focuses on the result or completion. For tasks, both are often interchangeable, but できた can also mean 'ready' or 'made'.