终于 (finally)

• 拼音: zhōngyú
• 结构: Subject + 终于 + Predicate + 了
• 汉字拆解: 终 = 纟(silk) + 冬 (winter); 于 = simple character, no decomposition

含义

The adverb 终于 expresses that something long-awaited or expected has finally happened. It conveys a sense of relief, satisfaction, or resolution after a period of waiting or effort.

The word 终于 is placed before the predicate and often pairs with 了 at the end of the sentence to mark the completion of the awaited event. It carries an emotional undertone — the speaker usually feels relieved or pleased that the outcome has arrived. Unlike 最后 (lastly/in the end), which simply indicates sequence, 终于 emphasizes the emotional weight of the wait. It is most natural in contexts where the speaker endured some difficulty or passage of time before the result occurred. It is used in both spoken and written Chinese across all registers.

例句

1. 我们终于到家了。
2. 她终于通过了驾照考试。
3. 雨终于停了，我们可以出去了。

用法指南

语境: spoken, written, everyday

语气: relieved

正确说法

• 等了两个小时，公交车终于来了。
• 经过三年的努力，他终于毕业了。
• 天气预报说会晴天，今天终于放晴了。

错误说法

• 我终于每天跑步。(终于 marks a one-time resolution, not a habitual action — use 坚持 or remove 终于 for habits) → 我现在每天都跑步。
• 她终于不会做饭。(终于 implies a positive resolution or awaited outcome — it sounds odd with a negative ability statement) → 她还是不会做饭。
• 他终于去了超市买东西。(终于 is unnatural for trivial, unanticipated events — reserve it for awaited outcomes) → 他去了超市买东西。

起源与历史

终 means 'end' or 'finish' and 于 is a preposition meaning 'at' or 'in.' Together 终于 literally means 'at the end,' capturing the sense that a long process has concluded with the desired result.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal