ついに

• Reading: ついに
• Romaji: tsuini
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.i.ni/

Meaning

Finally; at last; in the end. Marks the conclusion of a long-awaited event or process.

An adverb emphasising that something has happened after a long wait or sustained effort. Can express either positive outcomes (ついに合格した — finally passed) or negative ones (ついに壊れた — finally broke). Similar to とうとう, but ついに carries a slightly more dramatic or literary tone. Hiragana is the standard modern spelling.

Examples

1. 三年間勉強して、ついにN2に合格しました。 After three years of studying, I finally passed the N2.
2. ついに新しいレストランがオープンした。 The new restaurant has finally opened.
3. 探していた本がついに見つかった。 I finally found the book I'd been looking for.

Usage Guide

Context: achievements, results, long processes

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

Written 遂に in kanji, where 遂 (sui/tsui) means to accomplish or carry through. The character suggests reaching the end of a path — completing a journey after persistent effort.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal