最终

• Pinyin: zuì zhōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 最 = utmost; 终 = 纟(silk) + 冬 (winter), originally the end of thread, meaning to end

Meaning

Final; ultimate; in the end; eventually.

Indicates the final result, conclusion, or endpoint of a process. Can function as an adjective (最终结果 final result) or adverb (最终决定 ultimately decided). Common in both written and spoken Chinese.

Examples

1. 经过激烈的竞争，这家初创公司最终赢得了那笔投资。 After fierce competition, this startup finally won that investment.
2. 最终的决定权在你手里，我们只是提供建议而已。 The final decision is in your hands; we're just providing suggestions.
3. 他们讨论了很久，最终还是没能达成一致意见。 They discussed for a long time but ultimately couldn't reach an agreement.

Usage Guide

Context: results, conclusions, narratives

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 最终结果如何？(What was the final result?)
• 他最终放弃了。(He ultimately gave up.)

Don't Say

• 最终的最终决定是...(Redundant — just say 最终决定)

Origin & History

Compound of 最 (most, utmost) and 终 (end, finish). Together they mean the final or ultimate endpoint.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal