Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the concept of 'the end' in Japanese, including endings of stories, events, and physical extremities.
To indicate the conclusion of a narrative or show.
The most common and neutral way to say 'the end' for stories, movies, etc. Often used as a title card.
映画の終わりに「終わり」と表示された。
At the end of the movie, 'The End' was displayed.
Literary or formal marker for 'the end', often used at the end of books or serialized works.
小説の最後のページに「完」と書いてあった。
On the last page of the novel, 'The End' was written.
Used in formal presentations or broadcasts to mean 'that is all' or 'the end'.
以上で本日の発表を終わります。
That concludes today's presentation.
To refer to the conclusion or termination of something.
General noun meaning 'end'. Can be used for events, periods, relationships, etc.
夏休みの終わりが近づいている。
The end of summer vacation is approaching.
これで本当に終わりだ。
This is really the end.
Formal noun for 'end' or 'termination', often used in official contexts, events, or machine operations.
Means 'last' or 'end', emphasizing the final part or moment.
Refers to the outcome or ending of a story or event, often with a nuance of resolution.
To refer to the far end of a physical object or place.
General word for 'end' or 'edge' of a physical object or area.
テーブルの端に置いてください。
Please put it at the end of the table.
Tip or end of something long and thin, like a stick, finger, or peninsula.
指の先が冷たい。
The tips of my fingers are cold.
Terminal end or extremity, often used in technical or anatomical contexts.
To express 'the end' in the sense of demise or destruction.
Refers to one's last moments or death. Note: same reading as 最後 but different kanji and meaning.
彼は静かに最期を迎えた。
He met his end peacefully.
Formal or literary term for demise, end of life, or end of an era.
終わり (owari) is the general noun for 'end', while 最後 (saigo) emphasizes 'the last' part or moment. 最後 is often used in phrases like 最後まで (until the end) or 最後の (the last). 終わり can stand alone as 'The End'.
Both are read さいご, but 最後 means 'last/end' in general, while 最期 specifically means 'one's last moments/death'. Using the wrong kanji can change the meaning drastically.
その本を最後まで読んだ。
I read the book to the end.
イベントは終了しました。
The event has ended.
Don't give up until the end.
その事件の結末は誰も予想できなかった。
No one could have predicted the end of that incident.
神経の末端
nerve endings
帝国の終焉が近い。
The end of the empire is near.