终于
HSK 3- Time
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 终于 expresses a long-awaited or hard-won result that has finally come to pass after a prolonged period of waiting or effort.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
终于 is an adverb used to express that something has finally happened after a long period of waiting or strenuous effort. It typically carries a positive tone, conveying relief or joy that the outcome turned out as hoped.
Distinguish 终于 from 最后 (lastly/in the end). 最后 simply refers to the final position in a sequence of events, and does not necessarily imply waiting or any emotional weight.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我们终于到家了。繁: 我們終於到家了。Wǒmen zhōngyú dào jiā le.
We finally arrived home.
- 他努力了很久，终于成功了。繁: 他努力了很久，終於成功了。Tā nǔlì le hěn jiǔ, zhōngyú chénggōng le.
He tried hard for a long time and finally succeeded.
- 春天终于来了！繁: 春天終於來了！Chūntiān zhōngyú lái le!
Spring has finally arrived!
- 我终于找到我的钥匙了。繁: 我終於找到我的鑰匙了。Wǒ zhōngyú zhǎodào wǒ de yàoshi le.
I finally found my key.
- 等了三个小时，他终于来了。繁: 等了三個小時，他終於來了。Děng le sān ge xiǎoshí, tā zhōngyú lái le.
After waiting for three hours, he finally arrived.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他等了很久，公共汽车终于没来。Correct:他等了很久，结果公共汽车还是没来。
终于 is typically used for positive, anticipated results; for negative results, use 结果 or 最后 instead.
- Wrong:我先吃饭，终于看电视。Correct:我先吃饭，然后看电视。
终于 emphasizes waiting or anticipation. To list the sequence of ordinary actions, use 然后 (then/after that) instead.