English–Japanese

“be done” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajisumu

Example

仕事が済みます。shi goto ga su mi ma su

The work will be done.

Illustration for 済む (be done)

How to say “be done” in Japanese

“Be done” in Japanese is 済む (sumu).

It presents a task or matter as reaching its natural endpoint, so the work is finished or the issue is settled.

Full entry for 済む: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 済む

この用事は電話だけで済みます。ko no yō ji wa den wa da ke de su mi ma su

This matter can be taken care of by phone alone.

Tips for using 済む

  • The contrast between 用事が済む (yōji ga sumu) and 用事を済ませる (yōji o sumaseru) shows the difference between completion and causing completion.

“be done” in other languages