结果 (as a result)

• Pinyin: jiéguǒ
• Formation: Reason / Condition ，结果 + Result
• Hanzi breakdown: 结 = 纟(silk) + 吉 (auspicious); 果 = pictograph of fruit on a tree

Meaning

The conjunction 结果 means 'as a result' or 'in the end.' It introduces the outcome of a previously described situation, often one that is unexpected or contrary to expectations.

When used as a conjunction, 结果 appears between two clauses: the first describes the background or effort, and the second reveals the outcome. The result is frequently surprising, disappointing, or ironic — though it can also be neutral. Unlike 所以 (so/therefore), which marks a logical consequence, 结果 highlights the unexpected or noteworthy nature of the outcome. It is very common in storytelling and narrative speech. In formal contexts, 结果 can also function as a noun meaning 'result' or 'outcome,' but as a conjunction it belongs primarily to spoken and informal written Chinese.

Examples

1. 他复习了一整夜，结果考试还是没通过。 He studied all night, but as a result, he still didn't pass the exam.
2. 我们早早出发了，结果还是迟到了。 We set out early, but ended up being late anyway.
3. 她减肥减了两个月，结果一斤都没瘦。 She dieted for two months, but in the end didn't lose a single pound.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, storytelling

Tone: narrative

Do Say

• 我等了她半个小时，结果她说不来了。
• 他准备了很久的演讲，结果紧张得忘词了。
• 本来想省钱坐公交，结果公交停运了。

Don't Say

• 结果他很高。(结果 as a conjunction must follow a preceding clause describing a situation — it cannot start a standalone observation) → 他很高。
• 我去了商店，结果，所以，买了很多东西。(Do not stack 结果 with 所以 — they serve overlapping functions) → 我去了商店，结果买了很多东西。

Origin & History

结 means 'to tie' or 'to conclude' and 果 means 'fruit' or 'outcome.' Together 结果 literally means 'to bear fruit,' which metaphorically extends to the result or consequence of an action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal