end

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 末 has 5 strokes and refers to the end of a period or process.
• Basic usage: The standalone word 末 is read すえ, while 週末, weekend, is read しゅうまつ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The end of a process and the future
  • 話し合いの末 means after going through a discussion, followed by its outcome.
  • 行く末 refers to how things will turn out: the future.