结束 (jiéshù)

A word meaning "to end" or "to finish" as a verb, and "the end" as a noun. It signals the completion of an event or activity. Its antonym is 开始 (kāishǐ), meaning "to begin."

Meanings

[verb] To end, to finish, to conclude (an event or activity).
[noun] The end, the conclusion (of something).

Example Sentences

电影几点结束？ Diànyǐng jǐ diǎn jiéshù? What time does the movie end?

工作结束后，我去买东西。 Gōngzuò jiéshù hòu, wǒ qù mǎi dōngxi. After work ends, I will go shopping.

比赛结束了，大家都很高兴。 Bǐsài jiéshù le, dàjiā dōu hěn gāoxìng. The competition is over and everyone is happy.

这个故事有一个好的结束。 Zhège gùshi yǒu yīgè hǎo de jiéshù. This story has a good ending.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
结束工作	to finish work
结束比赛	to end the competition
工作结束后	after work finishes
开始到结束	from start to finish
结束了	it's over, it has ended
圆满结束	to end successfully

Memory Hook

Antonym of 开始 (kāishǐ, to begin). If 开始 is the opening of a door, 结束 is closing and tying it shut — 结 means "to tie/knot," like tying up loose ends.