to finish ~ing, to end up ~ing (regret)

Intermediate

20-25 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses completion or regret about an action.

[Te-form] + しまう (casual: ～ちゃう/じゃう)

宿題を忘れてしまいました。

Shukudai wo wasurete shimaimashita.

I ended up forgetting my homework (regrettably).

ケーキを全部食べちゃった。

Keeki wo zenbu tabechatta.

I ate all the cake (casual).

Context determines if it means completion or regret.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Listen for ちゃった in casual conversation.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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