Meaning and Usage
The word 期末 (きまつ) specifically refers to the end of a term or season, most commonly used in academic contexts to indicate the end of a school semester or quarter. It often appears in phrases related to exams, reports, and evaluations that occur at this time.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter 期末 in educational settings, such as 期末試験 (final exams), 期末レポート (end-of-term reports), and 期末成績 (final grades). It is a formal term and used in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in schools and universities.
Collocations and Patterns
- 期末試験 (きまつしけん): final exams at the end of the term
- 期末レポート: report or paper due at the end of the term
- 期末成績: final grades or evaluation
Usage Notes
When using 期末, it implies a deadline or conclusion of a period, often associated with evaluation or assessment. It is not used for casual or non-academic endings. Learners sometimes confuse 期末 with 学期末 (がっきまつ), which also means end of term but is more general; 期末 is more formal and often used in official contexts.
Understanding 期末 helps learners talk about school schedules, exams, and academic deadlines accurately and naturally.