终究

• Pinyin: zhōng jiū
• Hanzi breakdown: 终 = 纟+ 冬 (final); 究 = 穴 + 九 (cave + nine — thoroughly investigate)

Meaning

Eventually; after all; in the end. Something that will happen despite obstacles or delays.

Emphasises inevitability over time. Similar to 毕竟 but focuses more on eventual outcome. Often used to express that truth or nature will prevail. Can have resigned or philosophical undertones.

Examples

1. 纸包不住火，真相终究会大白于天下。 You can’t hide the truth forever—it will eventually come to light.
2. 再美好的青春终究会逝去，要珍惜当下。 No matter how beautiful youth is, it will eventually pass—cherish the present.
3. 他终究还是选择了回到家乡发展。 In the end, he still chose to return to his hometown to build his career.

Usage Guide

Context: reflection, philosophy, predictions

Tone: philosophical

Do Say

• 努力终究会有回报的，不要轻言放弃。(Effort will eventually pay off — don't give up easily.)
• 虚假的繁荣终究会破灭，只有实力才能持久。(False prosperity will eventually collapse — only real strength can last.)

Don't Say

• 我终究吃了饭 — misuse; 终究 implies long-term inevitability, not simple past actions; use 最后 or 终于 for completed actions

Origin & History

终 (end/final) + 究 (investigate/ultimately)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal