The End in Japanese: おわり, 完, and More Expressions Explained

Have you ever watched a Japanese movie or anime and wondered how they say “the end” when the credits roll? Or perhaps you’re creating a presentation in Japanese and need to add that perfect closing slide? Understanding how to say “the end” in Japanese offers fascinating insights into how the language marks conclusions in different contexts.

Different Ways to Say “The End” in Japanese

Japanese offers several expressions to indicate “the end,” each with nuanced meanings and specific contexts for use. Let’s explore the most common ways to say “the end” in Japanese:

1. おわり (Owari)

Kanji: 終わり or 終り
Pronunciation: Owari
Usage: Most common general expression for “the end”

This is perhaps the most versatile and widely recognized way to say “the end” in Japanese. You’ll often see it at the conclusion of books, stories, presentations, and sometimes anime or movies.

Example sentence:
物語の終わりはとても感動的でした。
Monogatari no owari wa totemo kandō-tekideshita.
The end of the story was very moving.

2. 完 (Kan)

Kanji: 完
Pronunciation: Kan
Usage: Often used in manga, anime, and films

This concise, single-character expression carries a sense of “completion” or “perfection.” It’s elegant in its simplicity and commonly appears at the end of manga chapters or movie segments.

Example sentence:
映画が完で終わりました。
Eiga ga kan de owarimashita.
The movie ended with “The End.”

3. 終劇 (Shūgeki)

Kanji: 終劇
Pronunciation: Shūgeki
Usage: More dramatic conclusion, literally “end of drama”

This expression has theatrical roots and conveys a sense of dramatic finality. It’s more commonly seen in artistic productions or performances.

Example sentence:
舞台の終劇には観客が総立ちになりました。
Butai no shūgeki ni wa kankyaku ga sōdachi ni narimashita.
At the end of the stage performance, the audience gave a standing ovation.

4. 終了 (Shūryō)

Kanji: 終了
Pronunciation: Shūryō
Usage: Formal completion, often used for events, programs, or sessions

This term is more formal and frequently used in business contexts, announcements, or for scheduled events.

Example sentence:
会議の終了時間は午後3時です。
Kaigi no shūryō jikan wa gogo sanji desu.
The end time for the meeting is 3 PM.

Choosing the Right Expression for Different Contexts

Just as in English where we might say “the end,” “fin,” “conclusion,” or “that’s all folks,” Japanese offers contextual variations:

Cultural Significance of Endings in Japanese

In Japanese culture, endings carry significant weight. The concept of proper closure aligns with cultural values of completeness and respect. This is evident in how Japanese stories, presentations, and even conversations have clear beginning and ending markers.

Just as “hazukashii” (恥ずかしい) represents the unique Japanese concept of embarrassment with social awareness (as explored in our previous article), the various ways to express “the end” reflect the Japanese appreciation for proper closure and completion.

Tips for Using “The End” in Your Japanese Presentations

When finishing your Japanese presentation or document, consider these tips:

• For formal business presentations, 終了 (Shūryō) provides a professional touch
• For creative works or storytelling, おわり (Owari) or 完 (Kan) work well
• Add a bow (お辞儀, ojigi) after saying “the end” for an authentic Japanese touch
• Consider the context—different endings suit different situations

Similar to how you would choose the right way to say “nice to meet you” in Japanese based on formality levels, selecting the appropriate “the end” expression demonstrates cultural understanding.

Common Questions About “The End” in Japanese

What is the most common way to say “the end” in Japanese?

The most common expression for “the end” in Japanese is おわり (owari), written as 終わり or 終り.

How do Japanese movies typically indicate “the end”?

Japanese films often use 完 (kan) or おわり (owari) to signal the conclusion of a movie.

Is there a difference between 終わり and 終り?

Both are pronounced “owari” and mean the same thing. The first version (終わり) is the more modern standard writing, while 終り is an older, alternate form.

How formal is 終了 (shūryō) compared to other expressions?

終了 (shūryō) is considerably more formal and is primarily used in business contexts, announcements, and official communications rather than creative works.

Learning Resources for Japanese Expressions

If you’re interested in mastering more essential Japanese expressions like “the end in Japanese,” check out our comprehensive Japanese learning guides where you can access free resources to enhance your language skills. From understanding how to properly use “donna” (どんな) to ask “what kind of” questions to mastering everyday expressions like “wakatta” (わかった) for “I understand,” our guides cover essential vocabulary for effective communication.

Incorporating “The End” in Your Japanese Language Journey

As you continue your Japanese learning adventure, remember that mastering cultural expressions like “the end” helps you sound more natural and demonstrates respect for the language’s nuances. Just as learning how to say “to use” (使う, tsukau) or understanding the dual meaning of “kanojo” (彼女) as both “she” and “girlfriend” deepens your language skills, knowing how to properly conclude is equally valuable.

When practicing your Japanese writing or presentations, try incorporating different expressions for “the end” based on the context. This small detail can significantly enhance the authenticity of your communication.

The journey to Japanese fluency is ongoing, but understanding cultural expressions like “the end” brings you one step closer to natural, confident communication. As they say in Japanese, 練習は完璧を作る (renshū wa kanpeki o tsukuru) — practice makes perfect!

Q&A: The End in Japanese

Q: What is the single most versatile way to say “the end” in Japanese?
A: おわり (owari) is the most versatile expression for “the end” in Japanese.

Q: When would I use 完 (kan) instead of おわり (owari)?
A: Use 完 (kan) for artistic contexts like manga chapters or film endings where a concise, visual impact is desired.

Q: Can I use these expressions in everyday conversation?
A: These expressions are primarily used for formal conclusions of media or presentations rather than casual conversation, where phrases like “以上です” (ijō desu – “that’s all”) might be more appropriate.

Q: How do I pronounce 終わり correctly?
A: It’s pronounced “o-wa-ri” with a flat intonation on all syllables.

Q: What’s the most formal way to indicate “the end” in a business presentation?
A: 終了 (shūryō) or ご清聴ありがとうございました (go-seichō arigatō gozaimashita – “thank you for your attention”) are appropriate formal closings.