完成
kansei[kã̠ɰ̃se̞ː]
In Japanese, completion can be expressed as 完成 (kansei) or 完了.
Meaning: making complete, conclusion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 完成 | kansei | [kã̠ɰ̃se̞ː] (narrow) |
| 完了 | kanryō | [kã̠n̺ɾʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
Use 完成 for the completion of a physical object, a work of art or a construction project. Use 完了 when referring to the completion of a process, a procedure, a task or a set of instructions.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 完成 is composed of the characters for 'complete' (完) and 'become' (成). The word 完了 is composed of the characters for 'complete' (完) and 'finish/end' (了).
Which one should you use?
完成 is used specifically for the completion of a creation or a physical object. In contrast, 完了 is used for the completion of a process or task.
How do you pronounce it?
kansei
Did you know?
- The character 完 in both terms can also mean 'perfect' or 'flawless'. This implies that for a task to be truly complete in Japanese, it must not only be finished but also performed correctly.
- While 完成 refers to a finished product, the word 完成度 describes the 'level of completion'. It is often used to critique how polished a work of art is, even if the artist claims it is finished.
- In Japanese, if a process is not just finished but is 'concluded' or 'settled', you might use 完結 instead of 完了, often used for the end of a story or a long-running series.
Examples in context
- この建物は完成間近だ。This building is near completion.This sentence shows how to use 完成 to describe a building being near completion.Tatoeba #222119 by bunbuku, translation #59444 by CK
- アメリカ軍はイラクでの戦闘任務を完了することを発表した。American forces announced the completion of their mission in Iraq.This sentence demonstrates the use of 完了 regarding the completion of a military mission.Tatoeba #506750 by blay_paul, translation #506751 by blay_paul
- プロジェクトが完了しましたThe project is complete.
- 授業が終了しましたThe class has ended.
- 保険の期間が満了しましたThe insurance period has expired.
- 夕食が終わったよDinner is over.
- 終わりましたか?Is it finished?
- 映画おわりました？Is the movie finished?
- 新しいモデルの完成を待っています。Atarashii moderu no kansei o matte imasu.I am waiting for the completion of the new model.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about a design project in the office.
- 結衣 Yuiデザインの完成はいつになりますか？Dezain no kansei wa itsu ni narimasu ka?When will the design be completed?
- 陽太 Yota来週の月曜日には完成する予定です。Raishū no getsuyōbi ni wa kansei suru yotei desu.It is scheduled to be completed next Monday.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは良かったです。楽しみにしていますね。Sore wa yokatta desu. Tanoshimi ni shite imasu ne.That's good. I'm looking forward to it.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとうございます。精一杯頑張ります。Arigatō gozaimasu. Seiippai ganbarimasu.Thank you. I will do my very best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “completion” translations and entries 完成, 完了, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
