毕竟

• Pinyin: bì jìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 毕 = 比 (compare) + 十 (ten); 竟 = 音 (sound) + 儿 (child), meaning finish

Meaning

After all; when all is said and done; ultimately. Used to emphasize a fundamental reason or truth.

Introduces a statement that provides underlying justification or acknowledges a basic truth. Often used when making concessions or explaining the fundamental reason behind something.

Examples

1. 他毕竟还是个孩子，不要对他要求太高。 After all, he's still a child; don't expect too much from him.
2. 虽然这份工作很辛苦，但毕竟薪水不错。 Although this job is very tiring, the salary is good after all.
3. 毕竟是第一次做，有些不足在所难免。 After all, it's the first time doing this; some shortcomings are inevitable.

Usage Guide

Context: reasoning, concession, everyday

Tone: explanatory

Do Say

• 毕竟他是你爸爸。(After all, he is your father.)
• 这毕竟是好事。(This is a good thing after all.)

Don't Say

• 在句末用'毕竟'——毕竟通常放在句首或主语后 (Don't put 毕竟 at the end of a sentence — it usually goes at the beginning or after the subject)

Origin & History

Compound of 毕 (complete/finish) + 竟 (end/finally), both suggesting completion and finality.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal