末期

• Reading: まっき
• Romaji: makki
• Kanji breakdown: 末 (matsu) — end, final; 期 (ki) — period, stage, phase
• Pronunciation: /mak.ki/

Meaning

Terminal stage; final phase; end stage. The last period of a serious illness, or the final phase of a historical era.

A noun used in both medical and historical contexts. Medically, 末期がん (terminal cancer) and 末期症状 (terminal symptoms) are common collocations. Historically, it describes the closing period of an era, such as 江戸末期 (late Edo period). The medical usage carries heavy emotional weight and is often associated with palliative care discussions.

Examples

1. 末期がんと診断された後も、彼は前向きに生きることを選んだ。 Even after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he chose to live with a positive outlook.
2. 末期の患者に対しては、積極的な治療よりも緩和ケアが優先される場合がある。 For terminal patients, palliative care may take priority over aggressive treatment.
3. 病が末期に達し、医師から余命を告知された家族は言葉を失った。 When the illness reached its terminal stage and the doctor informed the family of the prognosis, they were at a loss for words.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, terminal care, oncology, end-of-life, history

Tone: serious, grave

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 末 (matsu) means end or final, and 期 (ki) means period or stage. Together they denote the concluding phase. The term has been used in Chinese historical and medical texts, adopted into Japanese for both historical and medical usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal