Japanese word

始末

Pronunciation

Romajishimatsu

Meaning

  • noundeal with

Example

この問題は私が始末をつけます。ko no mon dai wa watashi ga shi matsu o tsu ke ma su

I will deal with this problem.

Illustration for 始末 (deal with)

More examples

使い終わった道具の始末をお願いします。tsuka i o wa tta dō gu no shi matsu o o nega i shi ma su

Please clean up the tools after you finish using them.

Core concept

Expresses the complete handling of a matter, from addressing the problem itself to dealing with its final results.

Common phrases

  • 始末をつけるshi matsu o tsu ke ru

    deal with

  • 始末に困るshi matsu ni koma ru

    have trouble dealing with

Similar words

処理shori: The work of dealing with a problem, duty, or material and bringing it to a settled state.
対処taisho: A response that deals with a problem or an unfavorable situation.
片付けkatazuke: The work of organizing a place or removing things that are no longer needed.
処分shobun: The act of removing an unwanted thing or determining its final use or destination.

Definition in Japanese

問題や物事を処理して、きちんと終わらせること。mon dai ya mono goto o sho ri shi te ki chi n to o wa ra se ru ko to

Word origin

The compound 始 (shi, "beginning") + 末 (matsu, "end") describes dealing with something from its start through its conclusion.

Usage tips

  • Unlike the broad English verb deal with, 始末 (shimatsu) usually concerns a problem, consequence, or object rather than an ordinary conversation with a person.

Other meanings

  • settlementnoun
  • disposalnoun
  • cleaning upnoun

Related words

  • 始末するshimatsusurudeal withverb

Word lists with this word