Translation and Meaning of: 末期 - maki

The Japanese word 「末期」, read as "maki" in romaji, carries meanings that reflect its use in specific and sometimes delicate situations. 「末」 (matsu) means 'end' or 'last', while 「期」 (ki) refers to 'period' or 'time'. Therefore, when these characters are combined, they form an expression that means 'final phase' or 'terminal stage'. This term is often employed in medical contexts to describe the terminal phase of an illness, but it can also be used more generally to indicate the final stage of an event or process.

The etymology of the word 「末期」 is quite straightforward, coming from the combination of its two kanji components. 「末」 can also indicate the tip or end of something, while 「期」 refers to the concept of a specific time or period. It is interesting to note how the Japanese language has a system of word formation that allows for the precise and effective composition of complex meanings through the combination of ideograms.

In the medical context, the use of 「末期」 is often associated with the term 「末期症状」 (makki shoujou), which means 'final symptoms' or 'terminal symptoms', indicating the worsening of a health condition. However, this concept can be extended to other areas, such as in the description of the final stages of a project, known as 「末期段階」 (makki dankai), illustrating the versatility of the term. Thus, its application in both practical situations and philosophical discussions about the end of life cycles or phases of a process is quite common, highlighting the semantic richness of the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 終末 (shuumatsu) - The end or conclusion of something, often referring to the end of the world or a final period.
• 終期 (shuuki) - Final period of something, referring to a concluding stage.
• 終焉 (shuuen) - The moment of death or the end of something, often used in a poetic or philosophical context.
• 終局 (shuukyoku) - The final phase or conclusion of a process, often associated with final decisions in a game or competition.
• 終止 (shuuji) - The interruption or termination of a process or activity, indicating that it will not continue anymore.
• 終わりの期間 (owari no kikan) - Period that marks a specific end; it can refer to events or personal cycles.
• 終末期 (shuumatsuki) - Terminal period of a disease or situation, referring to final stages of life.
• 終末時代 (shuumatsu jidai) - The final era, often referring to an apocalyptic time or radical changes.
• 終末期の (shuumatsuki no) - Related to the terminal period; used to describe characteristics or situations of this time.
• 終末的 (shuumatsuteki) - Adjective that describes something as being final or characteristic of an end.
• 終末論的 (shuumatsuron-teki) - Regarding theories or discussions about the end; often used in philosophical or religious contexts.