Translation guide
The English word "finals" can refer to final exams, the last round of a competition, or the concluding part of a series. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
Referring to final examinations at the end of a school term.
The last match or game in a tournament to decide the winner.
The last episode, chapter, or installment of a series.
While ファイナル is used for competition finals, it is not used for final exams. Use 期末試験 or 期末テスト instead.
決勝 can refer to the final round as a whole, while 決勝戦 specifically means the final match. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 決勝戦 emphasizes the match itself.
The standard term for final exams. Literally 'end-of-term exam'.
来週から期末試験が始まる。
Finals start next week.
A slightly more casual way to say final exams, using 'test' instead of 'exam'.
期末テストの勉強をしなきゃ。
I have to study for finals.
A more formal term, often used in official contexts.
学期末試験の日程が発表された。
The schedule for finals has been announced.
The general term for the final match or round in a competition.
決勝は来週の日曜日に行われる。
The finals will be held next Sunday.
Specifically emphasizes the final match or game.
決勝戦はとても接戦だった。
The finals were a very close match.
Loanword from English, often used in sports or entertainment contexts.
いよいよファイナルだ！
It's finally the finals!
Used for the final episode of a TV series, anime, or drama.
このドラマの最終回は感動的だった。
The finals of this drama were moving.
Used for the final chapter of a book, manga, or story arc.
物語は最終章を迎える。
The story reaches its finals.
Used for a concluding part that wraps up the entire series, often in movies or special episodes.
劇場版の完結編が公開された。
The finals movie was released.