Japanese word

果てる

Pronunciation

Romajihateru

Meaning

  • verbend

Example

この細い道は森の中で果てます。ko no hoso i michi wa mori no naka de ha te ma su

This narrow road ends in the forest.

Illustration for 果てる (end)

More examples

長い冬も、やがて果てます。naga i fuyu mo ya ga te ha te ma su

Even the long winter will eventually end.

Core concept

Describes something continuing until it reaches a final boundary or stopping point.

Common phrases

  • 果てることなくha te ru ko to na ku

    without ending

Similar words

終わるowaru: To reach a final point or stop, with no special focus on the cause.
尽きるtsukiru: To end when a supply, period, or possibility has been used up.

Definition in Japanese

道や事柄が、行き着いた所で終わり、先へ続かなくなること。michi ya koto gara ga i ki tsu i ta tokoro de o wa ri saki e tsuzu ka na ku na ru ko to

Word origin

As a native Japanese word, 果てる (hateru, "to end") comes from 果て (hate, "end" or "limit"), which forms the base of the verb.

Usage tips

  • 果てる (hateru) is useful for describing where a road or path ends, whereas everyday speakers more often use 終わる (owaru) for a meeting, lesson, or event.

Other meanings

  • be finishedverb
  • be exhaustedverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 果てしないhateshinaiendlessi-adjective

Word lists with this word