终于 (zhōngyú) — finally; at last

终于 (zhōngyú)

终于 expresses that something happened after a long wait or much effort. It always carries an emotional undertone, either relief or satisfaction. Place it before the verb, usually after the subject.

Meanings

1. [adv] Finally; at last — something expected or hoped for has come to pass.
2. [adv] In the end; ultimately — after a series of events or attempts.

Example Sentences

我终于找到工作了。 Wǒ zhōngyú zhǎodào gōngzuò le. I finally found a job.

经过三年学习，他终于通过了考试。 Jīngguò sān nián xuéxí, tā zhōngyú tōngguò le kǎoshì. After three years of study, he finally passed the exam.

火车终于来了！ Huǒchē zhōngyú lái le! The train finally came!

他们终于解决了这个问题。 Tāmen zhōngyú jiějué le zhège wèntí. They finally solved the problem.

Collocations

Memory Hook

终 means "end" and 于 indicates a point in time, so 终于 is literally "at the end point" — the long wait is over.