JLPT N4 grammar

〜しまうmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. To finish/complete A
  2. A occurs (shows embarrassment / regret / disappointment over the action A)
  3. To put away A

How to form it

  • verb (te-form)しまう
  • 〜てしまう → 〜ちゃう/〜でしまう → 〜じゃう
  • nounをしまう

How it is used

Marks an action as completely done, or as something regrettable or unintended. In speech it shortens to 「〜ちゃう」/「〜じゃう」. As a verb on its own, 「しまう」 means to put something away.

Examples

  1. 作文は書いてしまいましたか。

    Have you finished writing your composition?

  2. 電車に傘を忘れてしまいました。

    I left my umbrella on the train.

  3. 遊んだ後は、おもちゃを箱にしまいなさい。

    When you've finished playing, put your toys away in the box.