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March 24, 2026
结束(結束)jiéshù(jie2shu4)
结束 (jiéshù) means to finish, conclude, or end something. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as completing an event, a task, or a process, and carries a neutral connotation. It can be applied in both formal and informal settings, making it a versatile word in everyday conversation.
Frequency#354DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of finishing something, like a meal or a meeting, often involves social rituals, such as saying goodbye or expressing gratitude. The word 结束 can reflect the importance of proper closure in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a jigsaw puzzle (the 'jié' part) that you are finally able to complete and put away (the 'shù' part). When you finish the puzzle, it symbolizes the end of your effort, making '结束' a memorable way to connect the idea of completion with the characters.
Meanings of 结束
jiéshù(jie2shu4)
1termination
2to finish
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About 结束
结束Simplified
結束Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#354Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 结束
Podcast: 结束
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AI Study Notes for 结束
Quick Contrast
结束 (jiéshù) vs 完成 (wánchéng) — use 结束 for a finality in an event or process, while 完成 emphasizes the successful completion of a task.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a jigsaw puzzle (the 'jié' part) that you are finally able to complete and put away (the 'shù' part). When you finish the puzzle, it symbolizes the end of your effort, making '结束' a memorable way to connect the idea of completion with the characters.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 结束 with 完成 (wánchéng), which specifically means to complete something rather than simply to end it. The tone of the word is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 结束会议 (to end a meeting) and 结束课程 (to finish a class).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 结束 connects with other verbs related to actions and processes. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe various activities that come to a close, enhancing their ability to express completion in different scenarios.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of finishing something, like a meal or a meeting, often involves social rituals, such as saying goodbye or expressing gratitude. The word 结束 can reflect the importance of proper closure in social interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 结束 with 开始 (kāishǐ, to start), leading to sentences like '我们要结束一个新项目' (We need to end a new project), which should be corrected to '我们要开始一个新项目' (We need to start a new project).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 结束
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Grammar Patterns of 结束
结束 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The Italian way is to round off a meal with an ice-cream.
Cultural Notes for 结束
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of finishing something, like a meal or a meeting, often involves social rituals, such as saying goodbye or expressing gratitude. The word 结束 can reflect the importance of proper closure in social interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 结束
Yes, 结束 is versatile and can be used in both formal settings like business meetings and informal ones like conversations with friends.
Focus on the context: 结束 emphasizes the act of ending, while 完成 emphasizes the act of completing something.
Common phrases include 结束工作 (to finish work) and 结束比赛 (to conclude a competition).
