結末

• Reading: けつまつ
• Romaji: ketsumatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 結 (ketsu/musu) — tie, conclude; 末 (matsu/sue) — end, tip
• Pronunciation: /ke.tsɯ.ma.tsɯ/

Meaning

End; conclusion. The final outcome or resolution, especially of a story or event.

A noun referring to how something ends or turns out, with emphasis on the outcome or resolution. More literary than 終わり (owari, end). Common uses: 物語の結末 (monogatari no ketsumatsu, conclusion of a story), 意外な結末 (igai na ketsumatsu, unexpected ending). Often used when discussing narratives, incidents, or disputes.

Examples

1. この映画の結末は誰も予想できなかった。 Nobody could have predicted the ending of this movie.
2. 事件の結末がニュースで報道された。 The outcome of the incident was reported on the news.
3. 結末を知りたくて一気に読み終えた。 I wanted to know the ending so badly that I read through it all in one sitting.

Usage Guide

Context: stories, news, discussions

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

Compound of 結 (ketsu, tie/conclude) and 末 (matsu, end/tip). Literally 'the tied-up end', suggesting a conclusion where threads are brought together.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal