Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “done” in Japanese! Whether you want to know the formal or informal ways, we have got you covered. Throughout this guide, we will also provide useful tips, examples, and tackle any regional variations that may arise. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Done” in Japanese
When it comes to expressing the word “done” formally in Japanese, there are a few options depending on the context. Here are the most commonly used formal phrases:
- 終わりました (Owari mashita): This phrase directly translates to “finished” or “completed.” It can be used in various situations, such as when completing a task or an assignment. For instance, you can say, “宿題が終わりました。” (Shukudai ga owari mashita) meaning “I finished my homework.”
- 完了しました (Kanryō shimashita): Similar to the previous phrase, this one also means “completed” or “finished.” It is often used in formal settings or when referring to a process that has reached its conclusion. An example would be saying, “手続きが完了しました。” (Tetsuzuki ga kanryō shimashita), which translates to “The procedure has been completed.”
Informal Ways to Say “Done” in Japanese
Moving on to more informal ways of expressing “done” in Japanese, here are a couple of phrases commonly used:
- 終わった (Owatta): This phrase is the informal version of “終わりました” mentioned earlier. It is perfect for casual conversations or among friends. For example, you can say, “映画、終わったよ！” (Eiga, owatta yo!) meaning “The movie is over!”
- 終了した (Shūryō shita): Similar to the previous informal phrase, this one can also be used in everyday conversations. It means “finished” or “completed.” Let’s say you attended a party, you can say, “パーティー、終了したんだ。” (Pātī, shūryō shita n da) to express “The party is over.”
Tips for Using “Done” Properly in Japanese
Now that you have learned different ways to say “done” in Japanese, here are some tips to help you use them effectively:
1. Tone and Context: Consider the tone and context of your conversation before choosing a phrase. Formal expressions are more suitable in professional or official settings, while informal ones should be used among friends or acquaintances.
2. Polite Language: Formally expressing “done” often requires the use of polite language. Ensure you are familiar with the appropriate verb forms and politeness levels based on your relationship with the person you are speaking to.
3. Non-Verbal Communication: Keep in mind that in Japanese culture, non-verbal cues and body language play a significant role in communication. Pay attention to the situation and adapt your expressions accordingly.
Let’s take a look at some additional examples to provide further clarity:
- Formal Example: If you want to convey that you have finished a report for work, you can say, “報告書を終わりました” (Hōkokusho o owari mashita).
- Informal Example: In a casual setting, when you have completed cooking a meal, you can say, “ご飯、終わったよ！” (Gohan, owatta yo!).
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken throughout various regions, and there can be slight variations in expressions depending on the locality. However, the phrases and examples provided earlier are widely understood and used across Japan. Therefore, regional variations are not of significant concern when expressing “done” in Japanese.
Remember, learning a language involves practicing and adapting to different situations. The more you practice using the phrases in this guide, the more comfortable you will become in expressing “done” in Japanese.
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “done” in Japanese using formal and informal expressions. Use these phrases confidently in the appropriate situations, and your Japanese conversations will thrive.
