终于終於 zhōngyú — at last, finally, in the end
zhōngyú (first tone, high and level)zhong1yu2
Traditional: 終於
at last, finally, in the end
HSK 3· HSK 1–4 (classic)adverb
Meanings
at last, finally, in the end
Marks a result that arrives after a long wait or much effort, and one you are glad of. It is not used to list steps: for "and then" use 然后.
adverb
Example sentences
- 等了很久，他终于来了。等了很久，他終於來了。Děngle (third tone, dipping) hěn (third tone, dipping) jiǔ, (third tone, dipping) tā (first tone, high and level) zhōngyú (first tone, high and level) lái (second tone, rising) le. (neutral tone)···
After a long wait, he finally arrived.
- 努力了一年，我终于通过了考试。努力了一年，我終於通過了考試。Nǔlìle (third tone, dipping) yì (fourth tone, falling) nián, (second tone, rising) wǒ (third tone, dipping) zhōngyú (first tone, high and level) tōngguòle (first tone, high and level) kǎoshì. (third tone, dipping)···
After a year of hard work I finally passed the exam.
Common mistakes
Not quite我先复习，终于去锻炼。
Correct我先复习，然后去锻炼。
终于 announces a long-awaited outcome, not the next item on a list. Sequencing two actions calls for 然后.