Meaning and Usage
"終了" (しゅうりょう) means "end," "termination," or "completion." It is a formal noun often used in business, academic, and technical contexts to indicate that something has finished or concluded.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "終了" used for meetings, exams, events, or processes that have a defined end time. It can also describe the completion of computer programs or tasks.
Collocations and Patterns
- "終了する": to end or finish (used as a verb phrase)
- "終了時間": finishing time or deadline
- "試験終了": end of an exam
- "プログラム終了": program termination
Register and Nuance
"終了" is more formal and official than casual words like "終わり". It is appropriate in written announcements, official reports, and formal speech. Avoid using it in casual conversation where "終わり" or "終わる" might be more natural.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "終了" with "終わり". Remember that "終了" is a noun and often paired with "する" to form a verb, while "終わり" is a noun that can stand alone more casually. Also, "終了" implies a clear, definite end, often scheduled or planned.