1.
final stage, endgame, closing phase
The last phase or concluding period of a game, competition, project, or event. Originally a term from board games like shogi and go, now widely used for any process nearing its end.
試合は終盤に入った。
The game entered its final stage.
選挙戦も終盤を迎えている。
The election campaign is also reaching its final phase.
終盤に逆転ゴールを決めて勝利した。
They scored a come-from-behind goal in the final stage and won.
USAGE:
Often used with に{入る} (to enter), を{迎える} (to reach), or に{差し掛かる} (to approach). Part of a three-stage series: 序盤 (opening stage) → 中盤 (middle stage) → 終盤 (final stage).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 終盤に入る: to enter the final stage
- 終盤を迎える: to reach the closing phase
- 終盤に差し掛かる: to approach the endgame
- 終盤戦: endgame battle