Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 完 | wán |
| 結束 / 结束 | jiéshù |
| 終止 / 终止 | zhōngzhǐ |
The term 完 refers to something being finished or completed. It is often used to indicate that a task or a process has reached its conclusion. Additionally, in a very colloquial sense, 完了 can be used as an interjection meaning 'oh no' or 'I'm screwed' to express that something has gone wrong.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of 'end' in Chinese change based on what is ending. 完 focuses on the completion of a task or the consumption of a quantity, such as finishing a book or a meal. 結束 focuses on the termination or conclusion of an event or a period of time, like a meeting or a class. 終止 is a much more formal term specifically used for the termination or cessation of legal processes, contracts or relationships.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
You can also combine 完 with 成 to form the more formal verb 完成, which means 'to complete' or 'to accomplish' a mission or task.
How do you pronounce it?
wán
Did you know?
- The character 完 contains the radical for 'roof' 宀, implying that something is complete when it is safely under a ceiling.
- The word 結束 is composed of two characters: one meaning 'to tie a knot' and the other meaning 'to stop'.
- While 'end' is a verb in English, the Chinese word 完 can also act as a resultative complement. This means you attach it to another verb to show that the action was completed, such as in 'eat finished' or 'read finished'.
Examples in context
- 大橋將在年底完工。The bridge will be completed by the end of this year.This sentence shows the use of 完 in the context of a project being completed by a deadline.Tatoeba #5384174 by xjjAstrus, translation #18980 by CK
- 你必須堅持完成治療。You must complete the treatment until the end.This sentence illustrates using 完 to indicate finishing a process.Tatoeba #13249555 by LeviHighway, translation #6783722 by Grim_fandango
- 我感觉你还没把视频看完。I think you haven't watched the video till the end.This sentence demonstrates using 完 to express watching something until the end.Tatoeba #13881387 by Suzumeya_Meiya, translation #8240696 by lucasmg123
- 派对结束 (pài duì jié shù)The party is over
- 这个任务终于结束了。This task finally ended.
- 是的，我们可以放松一下了。Yes, we can relax now.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yuting and Haoran are studying in the library.
- 雨婷 Yuting你的作业写完了吗？Nǐ de zuòyè xiě wán le ma?Have you finished writing your homework?
- 浩然 Haoran快了，还剩最后一页。Kuài le, hái shèng zuìhòu yī yè.Almost, there is only one page left.
- 雨婷 Yuting写完的话我们去吃饭吧。Xiě wán de huà wǒmen qù chīfàn ba.Let's go eat once you are finished writing.
- 浩然 Haoran好，我马上就完工。Hǎo, wǒ mǎshàng jiù wángōng.Okay, I'll be finished in a moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “end” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 完, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
