Processing keyword: Verb 終わる (〜owaru)
Japanese Grammar Point: Verb 終わる (〜owaru)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Verb 終わる (〜おわる), which is used to express the completion of an action. Understanding how to use this grammar structure will help you describe completed activities naturally and fluently.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The grammar point Verb 終わる (〜おわる) is used to indicate that someone finishes doing something. It's equivalent to saying "finish doing" or "end up doing" in English.
Structure
The basic structure is:
- Verb (ます-stem form) + 終わる
Formation Diagram
| Steps | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Take Verb | Choose the verb representing the action. |
| 2. Convert to ます-stem | Remove ます from the polite form. |
| 3. Add 終わる | Attach 終わる to the ます-stem form of the verb. |
Example
- 読む (to read) → 読み (ます-stem) + 終わる = 読み終わる (to finish reading)
3. Comparative Analysis
Verb 終わる vs. Verb て-form + しまう
- Verb 終わる focuses on the completion of an action without additional connotations.
- Verb て-form + しまう can indicate completion but often implies regret or that something happened unintentionally.
| Grammar Point | Usage |
|---|---|
| Verb (ます-stem) + 終わる | Simply finishing an action. |
| Verb て-form + しまう | Finishing an action, sometimes with regret or unintentional nuance. |
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Casual Conversation
映画を見終わった**ら、電話してね。
えいがを みおわった ら、でんわしてね。
"Call me after you finish watching the movie."
Example 2: Formal Writing
この書類を書き終わりました**ので、ご確認ください。
このしょるいを かきおわりました ので、ごかくにんください。
"I have finished writing this document, so please review it."
Example 3: Negative Form
宿題をやり終わっていない**学生は、残ってください。
しゅくだいを やりおわっていない がくせいは、のこってください。
"Students who haven't finished their homework, please stay behind."
Example 4: Expressing Future Completion
明日までにレポートを書き終わります**。
あしたまでに レポートを かきおわります。
"I will finish writing the report by tomorrow."
Example 5: Using with Different Verbs
彼女は長い小説を読み終わった**。
かのじょは ながい しょうせつを よみおわった。
"She finished reading a long novel."
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, expressing the completion of tasks is important, especially in group settings like schools and workplaces. Using Verb 終わる appropriately shows respect for others' time and the importance of fulfilling responsibilities.
Levels of Politeness
- Casual Speech: Use the plain form 終わる.
- Polite Speech: Use the polite form 終わります.
- Teineigo (Polite Language): Appropriate for formal situations and when speaking to superiors.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 食べ終わる (たべおわる): To finish eating.
- 使い終わる (つかいおわる): To finish using something.
- These expressions are commonly used in daily life to indicate task completion.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Mistake 1: Using the Dictionary Form Instead of ます-stem
- Incorrect: 食べる終わる
- Correct: 食べ終わる**
Mistake 2: Confusing with 終える
- 終わる: Intransitive verb (does not take a direct object).
- 終える: Transitive verb (requires a direct object). Example:
- 会議が終わる: The meeting ends.
- 会議を終える: Someone ends the meeting.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Remember that 終わる means "to end," so adding it to a verb stem indicates the action "ends."
- Practice Common Verbs: Use verbs like 読む, 書く, 食べる with 終わる to get comfortable with the structure.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- Verb 終わる is used to express the completion of an action.
- Formed by adding 終わる to the ます-stem of a verb.
- Be mindful of the formality level in different contexts.
Quick Recap Quiz
Question 1
How do you say "finish doing homework" using 終わる?
Answer
**宿題を**やり終わる** *しゅくだいを やりおわる*Answer
**B) 書き終わる**Answer
"She has finished writing the report."By mastering Verb 終わる (〜おわる), you can effectively express when you've completed actions, enhancing your ability to communicate in Japanese.