JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
to finish doing
Category: Compound Verbs
The grammar pattern "V-ます + 終わる" is used to indicate the completion of an action that takes some time to perform. This pattern is formed by attaching the ます-stem of a verb to the intransitive verb "終わる". It is often used to express that an activity or task has been finished. For example, "この本を読み終わる" means "I have finished reading this book." This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversations and is a useful tool for expressing completion of tasks or activities.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb stem (ます-form) | V-ます + 終わる | 読み + 終わる = 読み終わる |
| Stem of verb (base form) | V-ます + 終わる | 食べ + 終わる = 食べ終わる |
| Polite negative form of verb | V-ません + 終わる | 食べません + 終わる = 食べません終わる |
この本を読み終わったので、友達に貸します。
Kono hon o yomi owatta node, tomodachi ni kashi masu.
I have finished reading this book, so I will lend it to my friend.
この本を読み終わった (I have finished reading this book) ので (because) 友達に貸します (I will lend it to my friend)
晩ご飯を食べ終わったので、テレビを見ました。
Ban gohan o tabe owatta node, terebi o mimashita.
I have finished eating dinner, so I watched TV.
晩ご飯を食べ終わった (I have finished eating dinner) ので (because) テレビを見ました (I watched TV)
宿題を終わらせたので、遊びに行けます。
Shuku dai o owatarase ta node, asobi ni ikemasu.
I have finished my homework, so I can go out and play.
宿題を終わらせた (I have finished my homework) ので (because) 遊びに行けます (I can go out and play)
このプロジェクトを終わらせるには、多くの時間が必要です。
Kono purojekuto o owataraseru ni, takai jikan ga hitsuyou desu.
It will take a lot of time to finish this project.
このプロジェクトを終わらせる (to finish this project) には (it will take) 多くの時間が必要です (a lot of time is necessary)
This pattern is used to express the completion of an action that takes some time to perform. It is often used in everyday conversations and is a useful tool for expressing completion of tasks or activities. This pattern can be used in both positive and negative forms.
Verbs like 'to wake up' or 'to arrive' happen instantly, so you cannot use this pattern with them. Instead, use the て-form of the verb, such as '起きて' or '着いて'.
The intransitive verb 'owaru' can be used on its own to mean 'to finish' or 'to complete', but when used with a verb, it requires the ます-stem of the verb, such as '読み終わる' or '食べ終わる'.
The て-form of the verb is used to express the completion of an action that takes some time to perform, but it is not used with 'owaru'. Instead, use the ます-stem of the verb, such as '読み終わる' or '食べ終わる'.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the ます-stem of the verb with 'owaru'. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with the intransitive verb 'owaru' used on its own or the て-form + 終わる.
この本を______、友達に貸します。
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