ピリオド

ぴりおど
noun
period; end
1. period, full stop
The punctuation mark (.) used at the end of a sentence in Western writing. In Japanese, the equivalent is the 句点(くてん) (。).
(ぶん)最後(さいご)にピリオドを()つ。
Put a period at the end of a sentence.
英語(えいご)ではピリオドで(ぶん)()わらせる。
In English, sentences end with a period.
ピリオドとコンマの使(つか)()けに注意(ちゅうい)してください。
Please pay attention to the distinction between periods and commas.
2. period, end, conclusion
The end or conclusion of something. Used figuratively to mean putting a definitive end to a matter or chapter in one's life.
(なが)(たたか)いにピリオドを()った。
They put a period on the long struggle.
選手(せんしゅ)生活(せいかつ)にピリオドを()つ。
To bring one's athletic career to an end.
この勝利(しょうり)長年(ながねん)のライバル関係(かんけい)にピリオドが()たれた。
This victory put a definitive end to the long-standing rivalry.

USAGE:
The key expression is ピリオドを()つ, which literally means "to strike a period" and is used both literally (punctuation) and figuratively (to end something decisively). The figurative use (sense 2) is very common in news and sports reporting.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ピリオドを()つ: to put a period on; to bring to an end
  • ピリオドが()たれる: for something to come to an end (passive)