終わり

• Reading: おわり
• Romaji: owari
• Kanji breakdown: 終 (owa/shū) — end, finish
• Pronunciation: /o.wa.ɾi/

Meaning

End; ending; close; conclusion. The point at which something stops.

The noun form of the verb 終わる (owaru, to end). Used both literally and figuratively. Common expressions include 終わりにする (owari ni suru, to bring to an end) and 終わりのない (owari no nai, endless). Often seen in school and work contexts.

Examples

1. 授業はもうすぐ終わりです。 Class is almost over.
2. この話には終わりがありません。 This story has no end.
3. 夏休みの終わりに宿題をしました。 I did my homework at the end of summer break.

Usage Guide

Context: school, daily life, events

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 終わる (owaru), which uses the kanji 終 combining 糸 (thread) and 冬 (winter), evoking the image of a thread being cut at the end of winter — a natural conclusion.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal