结局

• Pinyin: jié jú
• Hanzi breakdown: 结 = 纟(silk) + 吉 — to end; 局 = 尸 + 句 — situation, game

Meaning

Ending; outcome; conclusion. The final result or resolution of a situation or story.

Commonly used for the endings of stories, movies, relationships, or events. Can be positive or negative. Often modified by adjectives like 悲惨 (tragic), 圆满 (perfect), or 意外 (unexpected).

Examples

1. 这部电影的结局出乎所有人的意料。 The ending of this movie surprised everyone.
2. 我不喜欢悲剧，希望故事能有一个圆满的结局。 I don't like tragedies; I hope the story has a happy ending.
3. 事情发展到这一步，结局已经无法改变了。 Now that things have developed to this point, the outcome can no longer be changed.

Usage Guide

Context: storytelling, movies, life events

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 这个故事的结局很感人。(The ending of this story is very touching.)
• 我们都希望有个好结局。(We all hope for a good ending.)

Don't Say

• 用'结局'形容中间过程 (Don't use 结局 for intermediate stages — it specifically means the final outcome)

Origin & History

Composed of 结 (to end; to conclude) + 局 (situation; game). Together they describe the final state of a situation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal