間に合う vs 期限内に終わる
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 間に合う
Listen to 期限内に終わる
| 間に合う | 期限内に終わる |
|---|---|
ma-NI-au verb | kigen-nai ni owaru verb |
| to be in time; to make it in time; to arrive or finish before a deadline | to finish within the deadline |
How they differ
This phrase is a direct description of completing something before a due date. Compared with 間に合う, it is less about “making it” in the moment and more about stating the result plainly, especially for assignments, paperwork, or tasks.
When to use each
When to use 間に合う: Use 間に合う when you want the more natural, all-purpose expression for being in time.
When to use 期限内に終わる: Use 期限内に終わる when you want to emphasize that a task was completed by the deadline.
Side-by-side examples
- なんとか締め切りに間に合った。
(I somehow managed to make the deadline.) - レポートを期限内に終わらせた。
(I finished the report within the deadline.)
Register & nuance: 間に合う is more natural in conversation, while 期限内に終わる sounds more explicit and businesslike.