Learning how to say “complete” in Japanese is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express this word, providing plenty of tips, examples, and regional variations as necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Complete” in Japanese
When it comes to formal speech, Japanese offers a variety of expressions to convey the meaning of “complete.” Here are some commonly used phrases:
- 完全 (kanzen) – This term signifies absolute completeness or perfection. It is frequently used in formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings. For instance, you might say, 「研究は完全に終了しました。」 (Kenkyū wa kanzen ni shūryō shimashita) which translates to “The research is completely finished.”
- 完了 (kanryō) – This term implies the state of being finished or accomplished. It is often used in formal documents or official announcements. As an example, you could say, 「プロジェクトの完了をお知らせいたします。」 (Purojekuto no kanryō o oshirase itashimasu) meaning “We are pleased to announce the completion of the project.”
- 終了 (shūryō) – This word conveys the idea of reaching the end or conclusion. It is used in a wide range of formal situations, such as event announcements or program schedules. For example, you might say, 「講演は午後３時に終了いたします。」 (Kōen wa gogo san-ji ni shūryō itashimasu) which means “The lecture will conclude at 3 PM.”
Informal Ways to Say “Complete” in Japanese
Informal speech presents different options for expressing “complete” in Japanese. These phrases are commonly used in casual conversations or with friends:
- 終わり (owari) – This word simply means “end” and is widely used in everyday conversation. For example, you could say, 「宿題が終わりました。」 (Shukudai ga owari mashita), which translates to “I finished my homework.”
- おわった (owatta) – The past tense form of the verb “owaru” (to end), this word is used in informal spoken Japanese. An example sentence would be, 「映画がおわったよ！」 (Eiga ga owatta yo!) meaning “The movie has ended!”
- 終わった (owatta) – This variation of “owaru” is used in more casual settings. For instance, you might say, 「クッキーはもう終わっちゃった。」 (Kukkī wa mō owacchatta) which translates to “The cookies are already gone.”
It is essential to note that while informal expressions are suitable for informal settings, they should be used with caution in formal or professional environments.
Regional Variations
In addition to formal and informal ways of expressing “complete” in Japanese, there are some regional variations worth exploring:
- 終わったばかり (owattabakari) – This phrase, commonly used in the Kansai region, signifies recently completed actions. For example, you might hear someone say, 「食事が終わったばかりで、まだお腹がいっぱいです。」 (Shokuji ga owatta bakari de, mada onaka ga ippai desu) meaning “I just finished eating, so I’m still full.”
- 終わりまっせ (owarimasse) – This expression is found in the Tohoku dialect and is often used by locals to mean “it’s over” or “it’s finished.” For instance, you might hear someone say, 「ミーティングはもう終わりまっせんか？」 (Mītingu wa mō owarimassenka?) which translates to “Is the meeting over?”
Useful Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you further understand how to say “complete” in Japanese:
Tip 1: In Japanese, the verb “to complete” is often omitted when it is obvious from the context. For example, instead of saying “I completed my homework,” you can simply say “宿題が終わった” (Shukudai ga owatta).
Example sentences:
- 彼はプロジェクトを完全に終了させました。(Kare wa purojekuto o kanzen ni shūryō sasemashita) – He completely finished the project.
- 夏休みが終わっちゃった。(Natsuyasumi ga owacchatta) – Summer vacation is over.
- これが終われば、あとはないよ。(Kore ga owareba, ato wa nai yo) – Once this is finished, there is nothing else.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “complete” in Japanese is an important step towards mastering the language. By understanding the formal and informal expressions, as well as regional variations, you will be able to communicate effectively in various situations. Remember to adapt your speech according to the formality of the environment, and always consider the context in which you are speaking. Enjoy exploring the richness of the Japanese language!
