〜てしまう has two main meanings depending on context:
Completion - Action is done completely, thoroughly, or finally
Regret/Accident - Something unfortunate happened, often unintentionally
I finished my homework. (completely done)
I (accidentally) left my umbrella on the train.
Context and tone determine which meaning applies. Casual speech contracts to ちゃう/じゃう.
Conjugation
- てしまう → てしまった (past)
- てしまう → てしまいます (polite)
- でしまう after ん-ending verbs (飲んでしまう)
Casual contractions: てしまう→ちゃう, でしまう→じゃう
I ate it all. (completely)
I (accidentally) deleted an important photo!
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