完了する
kanryō suru
In Japanese, the verb to complete can be expressed in several ways, most commonly as 完了する (kanryō suru). Wiktionary also lists 完うする (mattō suru) and 終える (oeru).
Meaning: to finish (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 完了する | kanryō suru | |
| 完うする | mattō suru | |
| 終える | oeru | [o̞e̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The Japanese language offers different verbs for 'to complete' depending on whether you are finishing a formal process or a general activity. While 完了する is used for technical procedures or official tasks, 終える is a more general term for finishing an activity or a task.
Which one should you use?
完了する is used specifically for the formal completion of a process, task or technical procedure, such as an installation or a transaction. In contrast, 終える is a neutral verb used more broadly to mean finishing an activity, a meal or a piece of work. The form 完うする (mattō suru) is also available.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kanryō suru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, there is a strict distinction between 終える (oeru), where you finish something, and 終わる (owaru), where something finishes on its own.
- Because 完了する is used for technical and official processes, it is the standard term seen on computer loading screens and installation wizards in Japan.
- In historical Japanese, the word for 'to complete' followed a complex conjugation pattern known as 'lower bigrade conjugation'. This was a much more intricate system of changing word endings than the simpler patterns used in modern Japanese.
Examples in context
- ５日たてば仕事が完了するだろう。We should be able to complete the work in five days.This sentence is useful for talking about the time needed to complete work using 完了する.Tatoeba #235117 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #72495 by CK
- インストールを完了するには再起動が必要です。A reboot is required to complete the installation.This sentence is useful for describing the requirements to complete an installation using 完了する.Tatoeba #11851815 by small_snow, translation #12010572 by Winter
- 「研究は完全に終了しました。」 (Kenkyū wa kanzen ni shūryō shimashita)The research is completely finished.
- 「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)We are pleased to announce the completion of the project.
- 「講演は午後３時に終了いたします。」 (Kōen wa gogo san-ji ni shūryō itashimasu)The lecture will conclude at 3 PM.
- 「宿題が終わりました。」 (Shukudai ga owari mashita)I finished my homework.
- 「映画がおわったよ！」 (Eiga ga owatta yo!)The movie has ended!
- 「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)I just finished eating, so I'm still full.
- 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.
- データの転送が完了する。Dēta no tensō ga kanryō suru.The data transfer will be completed.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are discussing a homework assignment.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔、宿題はもう完了した？Hiroto, shukudai wa mō kanryō shita?Hiroto, have you completed the homework yet?
- 大翔 Hirotoあと少しで完了するよ。ato sukoshi de kanryō suru yo.I'll complete it in a little bit.
- 美咲 Misaki急いでね。もう時間だよ。isoide ne. mō jikan dayo.Hurry up. It's time already.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。今終わったよ！wakatta. ima owatta yo!Got it. I just finished!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “complete” translations and entries 終える, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 終える, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
