至此

• Pinyin: zhì cǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 至 = arrive at/reach; 此 = 止 + 匕 (this — stopping here)

Meaning

Up to this point; by now; thus far. A formal expression marking a conclusion or turning point in a narrative.

Used to sum up a process or mark an ending in formal writing. 至此结束 (conclude at this point), 事情发展至此 (matters have developed to this point). Common in news reports, historical accounts, and formal summaries.

Examples

1. 历时三年的调查至此画上了圆满的句号。 After three years of investigation, the case has now come to a successful conclusion.
2. 双方谈判至此陷入僵局，短期内难以取得突破。 At this point, negotiations between the two sides have reached a stalemate, and a breakthrough will be hard to achieve in the short term.
3. 至此，这场轰动一时的案件终于真相大白。 At this point, the truth behind this once-sensational case finally came to light.

Usage Guide

Context: news, narrative, formal writing

Tone: concluding

Do Say

• 至此，持续数月的罢工运动宣告结束。(At this point, the strike movement that lasted several months came to an end.)
• 谈判破裂，双方关系至此降到冰点。(Negotiations broke down, and relations between the two sides hit rock bottom at this point.)

Don't Say

• 我至此吃完了午饭 — too literary for casual conversation; use 到这时候 or 到现在 for everyday speech

Origin & History

至 (arrive at/to) + 此 (this point)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal