终于 (finally)

• Pinyin: zhōngyú
• Formation: Subject + 终于 + Predicate + 了
• Hanzi breakdown: 终 = 纟(silk) + 冬 (winter); 于 = simple character, no decomposition

Meaning

The adverb 终于 expresses that something long-awaited or expected has finally happened. It conveys a sense of relief, satisfaction, or resolution after a period of waiting or effort.

The word 终于 is placed before the predicate and often pairs with 了 at the end of the sentence to mark the completion of the awaited event. It carries an emotional undertone — the speaker usually feels relieved or pleased that the outcome has arrived. Unlike 最后 (lastly/in the end), which simply indicates sequence, 终于 emphasizes the emotional weight of the wait. It is most natural in contexts where the speaker endured some difficulty or passage of time before the result occurred. It is used in both spoken and written Chinese across all registers.

Examples

1. 我们终于到家了。 We finally got home.
2. 她终于通过了驾照考试。 She finally passed the driving test.
3. 雨终于停了，我们可以出去了。 The rain finally stopped, and we can go out now.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: relieved

Do Say

• 等了两个小时，公交车终于来了。
• 经过三年的努力，他终于毕业了。
• 天气预报说会晴天，今天终于放晴了。

Don't Say

• 我终于每天跑步。(终于 marks a one-time resolution, not a habitual action — use 坚持 or remove 终于 for habits) → 我现在每天都跑步。
• 她终于不会做饭。(终于 implies a positive resolution or awaited outcome — it sounds odd with a negative ability statement) → 她还是不会做饭。
• 他终于去了超市买东西。(终于 is unnatural for trivial, unanticipated events — reserve it for awaited outcomes) → 他去了超市买东西。

Origin & History

终 means 'end' or 'finish' and 于 is a preposition meaning 'at' or 'in.' Together 终于 literally means 'at the end,' capturing the sense that a long process has concluded with the desired result.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal