1.
end; final phase; demise
The final stage or ultimate end of something, especially of the world, of life, or of a long process. Carries a weightier, often apocalyptic or terminal nuance than a simple ending.
世界の終末を描く。
It depicts the end of the world.
この映画は文明の終末をテーマにしている。
This film takes the demise of civilization as its theme.
終末医療では、患者の苦痛を和らげることが重視される。
In end-of-life care, easing the patient's suffering is given priority.
Refers to a grave or ultimate ending — of the world, of life, or of an era — not an everyday conclusion. A homophone of 週末 (weekend), distinguished only by context and kanji.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 終末期: terminal stage (e.g. of an illness)
- 終末医療: end-of-life (terminal) care
- 終末思想: eschatology; apocalyptic thought
- 世界の終末: the end of the world
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 最後: the last; the end — ordinary, neutral word for the final point.
- 終わり: end; ending — the everyday word, without the grave nuance.
- 末期: final period; terminal stage — the closing phase of an era or illness.