しまう (shimau) Meaning Japanese Grammar - Do Something By Mistake
Anna Baffa Volpe
4 min reading time
Updated on 16 January 2023
Using the te form of the verb combined with the verb しまう (which means finish) we express an action that is been done by mistake, completely, or unfortunately.
These meanings derive from the verb しまう, which can express:
- The fact of having completed something: this meaning expresses the achievement of a goal in a perfect or optimal way
- Expressing regret in having performed a certain action: indicates a sense of surprise and displeasure at the result of an action performed, which in the end proved to be wrong
The preposition stated before the use of しまう must be an action that has already been completed and completed. When しまう expresses regret, the regret must be for an action that has already ended, so it is no longer possible to return back
Expressing regret with しまう
もう起きてしまった事は仕方ないよ。
There is nothing you can do about something that has already happened (unintentionally).
In this example we see how the use of 起きてしまった indicates regret for something that has already happened. The verb 起きる in this context means to happen.
By adding the te form and the verb しまう it expresses that what happened was unintentional.
In fact, if we had only used the verb 起きる, the sentence would simply state an action happened in the past, without any additional indication (simply telling what happened).
With the addition of しまう, on the other hand, the sentence expresses a nuance that the result of the action was unexpected or that it was not our intention to happen.
For this reason, using しまう gives much more emphasis to the sentence (even if the translation remains the same)
This is an example in which the Japanese language is able to express additional information with respect to the translation.
しまった！宿題を持ってくるのを忘れた！
Oh no! I forgot to bring my homework!
The use of the term しまった indicates something that unfortunately has not been done. A translation of this expression can be simply oh no.
Action done completely with しまう
レポートを書いてしまった。
I have finished writing my report.
As mentioned, the form しまう can also be used to indicate the fact that an action has been completed. In this example we see how the verb 書く (write) conjugated with しまう indicates having finished writing (completely).
ノートをわすれてしまった。
I forgot my notebook.
Also in this example we see how しまう expresses an action performed by mistake and with regret. A possible literal translation could be How unfortunate! I forgot my notebook.
Colloquial forms of しまう: ちゃう and じゃう
There are two more colloquial forms of the verb しまう: ちゃう and じゃう.
ちゃう and じゃう are used much more often in the spoken language.
The use of ちゃう or じゃう depends on the conjugation of the te form of the verb:
- If the verb ends in te (て), then ちゃう is used
- If the verb ends in te (で), then じゃう is used
犬が狂っちゃった。
The dog is completely mad.
その本を読んじゃった。
I have (completely) finished reading that book.
ちゃう in an informal conversation between Senpai and Kōhai
Complete access to all the material published in the past and published new every week. Many more audio resources: listen to original audio sentences and dialogues with captions and explanations. Full dialogues to explain every grammar, word, or kanji in the details in a real Japanese context. All the material comes from original Japanese sources and websites, we do all the work to select the best material. We publish new articles, grammars, dialogues, audio, and many updates every week. By joining GokuGoku you will have complete access to all material published today and in the future.
Support the website
Our supporters have access to extra explanations, examples, audio, and more 🙏🏼
Support us to unlock
