finish

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 了 is read りょう and appears in completion-related compounds such as 終了 and 完了.
• Basic usage: Rather than using it as a standalone verb, sentences use complete words, as in 作業が終了する or 点検が完了する.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Ending and finishing everything
  • 終了, read しゅうりょう, focuses on work or an event coming to an end.
  • 完了, read かんりょう, emphasizes finishing all the required work. Registration closing and every inspection being completed have different focuses.
• Acknowledging understanding
  • 了解, read りょうかい, expresses understanding or acknowledgment of information.
  • The reply 了解しました does not by itself mean that the requested task has already been completed.