済ませる

• Reading: すませる
• Romaji: sumaseru
• Kanji breakdown: 済 (sai/su) — to finish, settle, be done
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.ma.se.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To finish; to get something done; to settle. Completing a task or wrapping things up.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb, the causative form of 済む (to be finished). Takes a direct object with を. Used when you actively complete or wrap up a task, meal, errand, or obligation. Often implies efficiency — getting something done quickly or simply.

Examples

1. 朝ごはんを早く済ませて出かけた。 I finished breakfast quickly and headed out.
2. 宿題を済ませてからゲームをしよう。 Let's finish our homework before playing video games.
3. 買い物を午前中に済ませておきたい。 I want to get the shopping done by the morning.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, errands, work

Tone: practical

Origin & History

Derived from 済む (sumu, to be finished/settled), an ancient verb. The kanji 済 combines 水 (water) and 斉 (equal/uniform), originally meaning to cross a river — extended to mean completing or settling matters.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal