完

• Pinyin: wán
• Hanzi breakdown: 完 = 宀 (roof) + 元 (origin, phonetic) — complete, whole; everything under the roof is accounted for

Meaning

To finish; to complete; to be over. Indicates the completion of an action.

Often used as a resultative complement after other verbs to indicate completion: 吃完 (finish eating), 写完 (finish writing), 看完 (finish reading/watching). Also used independently to mean 'it's over' or 'we're done.' Very high frequency in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 作业写完了吗？ Have you finished your homework?
2. 我已经吃完饭了。 I've already finished eating.
3. 电影看完了，我们回家吧。 The movie is over, let's go home.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, tasks, activities

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你吃完了吗？(Are you done eating?)
• 书看完了，可以还给你了。(I've finished the book, I can return it to you.)

Don't Say

• 我完了中文 (Don't use 完 as a standalone verb meaning 'finished studying' — attach it as a complement: 学完了 or use 完成了)

Origin & History

宀 (roof) + 元 (origin, phonetic). Everything under the roof is accounted for — complete, finished.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal