Learning how to express completion or the statement “I finished” in Japanese is a useful phrase to have in your linguistic toolkit. Whether you want to convey the completion of a task, a meal, or any other activity, this guide will walk you through various ways to say “I finished” in both formal and informal settings. While Japanese boasts a rich array of regional dialects, we will primarily focus on the standard Tokyo dialect in this guide.
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Formal Phrases for “I Finished”
In formal settings, such as speaking to someone older or in professional situations, you’ll want to use the more polite forms. Here are a few widely used phrases:
1. 終(お)えました (Oemashita): This is a straightforward and polite way to say “I finished” in Japanese. Use this phrase when speaking to someone of higher status or in professional situations.
2. 済(す)みました (Sumimashita): This is another polite phrase that conveys completion. It is often used in formal speech, such as when addressing clients or customers.
3. 打(う)ち切(き)りました (Uchikirimashita): This phrase specifically emphasizes the act of stopping or terminating an action. It is appropriate when referring to tasks or activities that have been intentionally ended.
Informal Phrases for “I Finished”
When speaking informally with friends, family, or peers, you have more leeway to use casual expressions. Below are some common phrases you can use:
1. 終(お)わった (Owatta): This simple and colloquial expression translates to “I finished” in Japanese. It can be used in various situations and is suitable for conversations with close acquaintances.
2. 終(お)った (Otta): A briefer version of the previous phrase, “終った” is a commonly used casual expression. It can be used in a variety of contexts among friends and family members.
3. 終(お)ぉった (Ofutta): This playful variation adds an elongated vowel sound, expressing a sense of relief or playfulness. It suits informal situations where humor or light-heartedness is appropriate.
Other Expressions for “I Finished”
Besides the phrases mentioned above, there are alternative expressions you can utilize depending on specific situations:
Finishing an Activity:
- 1. やり(終おわ)った (Yariowatta): Commonly used to indicate the completion of a specific task or activity.
- 2. 終(お)えてしまった (Oete shimatta): Emphasizes the sense of finality or regret of having completed something.
- 3. 終(お)わりました (Owarimashita): A more formal way to express the completion of an activity or task.
Finishing a Meal:
- 1. 食(た)べ終(お)えました (Tabe oemashita): A polite and specific phrase used to convey the completion of a meal.
- 2. 食(た)べ終(お)わった (Tabe owatta): A common casual expression to indicate that you’ve finished eating.
These are just a few examples of how to say “I finished” in Japanese, tailored to different contexts and levels of politeness.
Remember that using the appropriate level of politeness is crucial in Japanese culture. When in doubt, it’s generally safer to lean towards being more polite, especially when speaking with individuals who are older or in professional settings.
With practice, you’ll become more comfortable choosing the right phrase for each situation. So, keep exploring and expanding your Japanese vocabulary!
がんばってください！(Good luck!)
