Meaning
This grammar pattern indicates that by doing something or using something, a problem is solved or resolved. It often conveys the idea of achieving a result with less effort, cost, or consequence than expected. The negative form is 'て済むことではない' (something that cannot be settled/resolved by...).
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词(て形) | 済む |
| 名词 で | 済む |
Examples
-
A:交通事故に遭ったと聞きましたが、大丈夫でしたか。B:ええ。幸い、軽い怪我で済みました。
A: I heard you had a traffic accident. Are you okay? B: Yes, fortunately I got off with just minor injuries. -
終電がなくなってしまいましたが、会社の近くに住んでいる友達のうちに泊まらせてもらったおかげで、ホテルに泊まらなくて済んだ。
Since the last train was gone, I managed to avoid staying at a hotel by sleeping at my friend's place near the office. -
御社が生産した商品の問題のせいで、わが社に大きな損失を招いたんだ。これは謝って済むことじゃない。
Because of quality issues with your company's products, our company suffered major losses. This is not something that can be settled with an apology.
Summary
- Formation: Verb (て-form) + 済む OR Noun + で + 済む
- Used to express solving/resolving something with minimal cost, effort, or consequences
- Negative form 'て済むことではない' emphasizes that something cannot be simply resolved or settled