总算

• Pinyin: zǒng suàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 总 = 心 (heart) + 囱 (window) — overall; 算 = 竹 (bamboo) + 目 (eye) + 廾 (hands) — to calculate

Meaning

Finally; at last; at long last. Expressing relief that something has happened after a long wait or much effort.

Conveys a sense of relief or satisfaction after anticipation or difficulty. Often used when something positive finally happens or a problem is finally resolved.

Examples

1. 等了三个小时，飞机总算起飞了。 After waiting three hours, the plane finally took off.
2. 经过反复修改，这篇论文总算通过了审核。 After repeated revisions, this paper finally passed the review.
3. 下了一周的雨，今天总算放晴了。 After a week of rain, it finally cleared up today.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, relief expressions

Tone: relieved

Do Say

• 堵了两个小时的车，总算到了。(After being stuck in traffic for two hours, we finally arrived.)
• 忙了一整天，总算可以休息了。(After being busy all day, I can finally rest.)

Don't Say

• 用总算描述负面结果 (Don't use 总算 for negative outcomes — it implies relief or satisfaction; use 终于 instead which is more neutral)

Origin & History

总 (overall, after all) + 算 (to count, to reckon). Together they express 'when all is said and done' or 'finally.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal