始末

• Reading: しまつ
• Romaji: shimatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 始 (shi) — beginning; 末 (matsu/sue) — end, tip
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ma.tsɯ/

Meaning

Management; disposal; circumstances; result. Refers to dealing with a situation or accounting for how something came about and ended.

A versatile noun used in several senses: handling a troublesome matter (始末する), the circumstances of an event from beginning to end, or the unfortunate outcome of a situation. The phrase この始末 ('this state of affairs') often carries a tone of exasperation or reproach.

Examples

1. 部長に始末書を提出するよう命じられた。 I was ordered to submit a written apology to the department manager.
2. そんな始末では困ると、上司に厳しく叱られた。 My boss scolded me harshly, saying that such a state of affairs was unacceptable.
3. 事件の始末を丁寧に説明するよう求められた。 I was asked to explain the circumstances of the incident in detail.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, formal apology, narrative

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 始 (shi) meaning 'beginning' and 末 (matsu) meaning 'end.' The compound originally referred to the whole course of events from start to finish, later extending to the handling of such matters.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal