やっと

• Reading: やっと
• Romaji: yatto
• Pronunciation: /jat.to/

Meaning

At last; finally; barely; narrowly. Conveys relief after a long wait or effort.

Implies that something took a long time or required great effort to achieve. Carries an emotional nuance of relief or accomplishment that the neutral ようやく (youyaku) does not always have. Can also mean 'barely' or 'just managed to' (やっと間に合った = barely made it in time).

Examples

1. やっと試験が終わりました。 The exam is finally over.
2. 三年勉強して、やっと日本語が話せるようになった。 After three years of studying, I can finally speak Japanese.
3. やっとバスが来ました。 The bus finally came.

Usage Guide

Context: achievements, waiting, relief

Tone: relieved

Origin & History

Written in kanji as 漸と, where 漸 means 'gradually' or 'finally.' The hiragana form is overwhelmingly standard in modern writing.

Cultural Context

Era: Early Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal