结果

• Pinyin: jié guǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 结 = 纟 (silk radical) + 吉 (auspicious); 果 = pictograph of fruit on a tree

Meaning

Result; outcome; as a result. Refers to the consequence of an action, or connects clauses to show an unexpected outcome.

As a noun, 结果 means 'result' or 'outcome.' As a conjunction, it introduces an unexpected or notable consequence, often with a twist — similar to 'and then' or 'as it turned out.' The conjunction use frequently implies surprise or irony.

Examples

1. 考试的结果明天就出来了。 The exam results will come out tomorrow.
2. 我等了他一个小时，结果他没来。 I waited for him for an hour, and as it turned out he didn't come.
3. 你知道比赛的结果吗？ Do you know the result of the competition?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, narrative, academic

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 结果怎么样？(How did it turn out?)
• 我准备了很久，结果很顺利。(I prepared for a long time, and as a result it went smoothly.)

Don't Say

• 结果，我明天要去。(Don't use 结果 to introduce planned future actions — it connects to outcomes of past events, not intentions.)

Origin & History

Compound of 结 (to tie, to bear fruit) and 果 (fruit, result), literally 'to bear fruit' — the outcome that grows from an action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal