Translation and Meaning of: 期末 - kimatsu

The Japanese word 期末[きまつ] is a common term in the school and academic life of Japan, but its meaning and use can confuse Japanese learners. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is written in kanji, and situations in which it appears. Furthermore, we will see how it is culturally perceived and tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you have ever wondered what 期末 means or how to use it correctly in sentences, this guide will clear up your doubts. Take the opportunity to consult the Suki Nihongo dictionary, one of the best references for learning Japanese accurately and practically.

Meaning and use of 期末

期末 [きまつ] is a compound word made up of the kanji 期 (period) and 末 (end), literally meaning "end of the period." In the Japanese context, it is widely used to refer to the end of an academic semester, particularly in schools and universities. Unlike other expressions such as 学年末 (end of the academic year), 期末 is more related to assessments and the conclusion of specific cycles.

A practical example is the expression 期末試験[きまつしけん], which means "final exam of the semester". This type of assessment is often decisive for students, as it determines their grades before the start of a new term. Therefore, 期末 carries a certain weight of importance and even tension among students.

Origin and writing in kanji

The composition of 期末 follows the common logic of many Japanese , where two kanji come together to form a specific meaning. The first kanji, 期, represents a defined time interval, such as a semester or period. The second, 末, indicates the end or conclusion of something. Together, they convey the idea of a closure within an established cycle.

It is worth noting that 末 also appears in other words related to endings, such as 年末 (end of year) and 月末 (end of month). This consistency helps to understand why the Japanese quickly associate 期末 with the concept of termination, especially in the academic environment.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 期末 is to relate it to significant events, such as the dreaded final exams. Many Japanese students form study groups or hold review marathons during this time, which reinforces the importance of the term. Associating the word with real-life situations, such as preparing for exams, can make it easier to .

Interestingly, 期末 is not limited only to the school context. In some companies, it can refer to the closing of a quarter or fiscal period. However, its most frequent use continues to be in the educational system, where it is an integral part of the vocabulary of students and teachers.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 期末試験 (kimatsu shiken) - Final exam of a course or semester.
• 終期試験 (shūki shiken) - Final exam, usually called in specific contexts such as technical courses.
• ファイナル (fainaru) - The English term used to refer to the final exam.
• 最終試験 (saishū shiken) - Last exam, similar to final exam, but can be used in more varied contexts.
• 終末試験 (shūmatsu shiken) - Completion exam of a period, which may have a broader focus than the final exam.