始末・仕末|しまつshimatsu[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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Which spelling to use
始末始末 is the most common and most standard written form. It is the form beginners should use by default.
仕末仕末 is a less common variant of 始末, written with an irregular kanji; learners should recognize it but generally choose 始末 instead.
Definitions
- noun, suru verb, transitive verbmanagement; dealing with; settlement; cleaning up; disposal
- nouncourse of events; circumstances; particulars
- nounend result (usu. bad); outcome
- noun, suru verb, na-adjective, transitive verbeconomizing; economising; frugality; being thrifty
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 始末する（しまつする） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 始末します（しまつします） |
| Negative (nai) | 始末しない（しまつしない） |
| polite (masen) | 始末しません（しまつしません） |
| classical zu / nu | 始末せず・始末せぬ（しまつせず・しまつせぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 始末した（しまつした） |
| polite (mashita) | 始末しました（しまつしました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 始末しなかった（しまつしなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 始末しませんでした（しまつしませんでした） |
| Te form | 始末して（しまつして） |
| Potential | 始末できる（しまつできる） |
| Passive | 始末される（しまつされる） |
| Causative | 始末させる（しまつさせる） |
| Causative passive | 始末させられる（しまつさせられる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 始末すれば（しまつすれば） |
| tara | 始末したら（しまつしたら） |
| Volitional | 始末しよう（しまつしよう） |
| polite (mashou) | 始末しましょう（しまつしましょう） |
| Imperative | 始末しろ（しまつしろ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym処理しょりNeutralThe neutral, objective word for handling or processing matters. 「始末」 stresses cleaning up a mess, or the course and (usually bad) outcome of events.
- Synonym解決かいけつNeutralSolving or settling a problem. 「始末」 stresses cleaning up the aftermath.
- Synonym結果けっかNeutralA plain result or consequence, good or bad. 「始末」 often implies the outcome was bad.
- Synonym片付けるかたづけるNeutralA verb for tidying up or getting something dealt with and done. 「始末」 can appear as 「始末する」, with a nuance of cleaning up a mess or dealing with the aftermath.
- Synonym収まりおさまりNeutralThings calming down or settling into place. 「始末」 stresses the handling and cleaning up.
- Related成り行きなりゆきNeutralHow a situation unfolds or develops, as in 「成り行きに任せる」. 「始末」 can also refer to the course of events, but usually with cleaning up or a bad result in mind.
- Related決着けっちゃくNeutralA matter being settled, a definite conclusion or end. 「始末」 stresses cleaning up the aftermath.
- Related果てはてNeutralThe end or limit of something, or the final outcome, as in 「挙句の果て」. 「始末」 stresses the handling and cleaning up.
- Related結末けつまつNeutralThe ending or conclusion of a story or event. 「始末」 centers on cleaning up or on the full course of events.
- Related落着らくちゃくWrittenWritten/formal prose: a matter settling down or reaching a conclusion. 「始末」 stresses cleaning up.
- Related首尾しゅびWrittenWritten/formal prose: the whole course from start to finish, or how things turned out, as in 「首尾よく」. 「始末」 stresses dealing with things.
Use 「始末」 for the whole course of events, for an outcome that is often bad, or for cleaning up and dealing with something: 「始末書」, 「後始末」, 「この始末だ」, 「ごみを始末する」. For routine handling say 「処理」, for tidying 「片付ける」, for solving a problem 「解決」, and for how things develop 「成り行き」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
