I. What Does Finally in Chinese Mean?1. Difference Between 终于 and 最后2. How to Use Finally in Chinese SentencesII. Other Words and Phrases That Mean Finally in Chinese
Finally in Chinese: Meaning, Usage, and Common Words
I. What Does Finally in Chinese Mean?
When English speakers use the word “finally”, they often express either a sense of emotional relief—something long-awaited has happened—or a logical conclusion in a sequence of events. In Mandarin Chinese, these two functions are generally represented by two different adverbs: 终于 (zhōngyú) and 最后 (zuìhòu).
These words can both be translated as “finally” in English, but their meanings, usage, and emotional tones differ based on context.
Key Vocabulary: 终于 and 最后
Word
Meaning & Use
Tone/Usage
Example (Chinese)
终于 (zhōngyú)
Used when something long-awaited or difficult finally happens. Shows relief, satisfaction, or emotion.
Subjective, emotional
我终于通过了考试。
Wǒ zhōngyú tōngguò le kǎoshì.
I finally passed the exam. (implies relief after effort)
最后 (zuìhòu)
Used to indicate the final step or item in a process, time sequence, or logical order.
Objective, narrative
最后，我们讨论了明年的计划。
Zuìhòu, wǒmen tǎolùn le míngnián de jìhuà.
Finally, we discussed next year’s plan.
In short:
Use 终于 when you say “Finally!” as a sigh of relief.
Use 最后 when you say “Finally,” as the last point in a list or series of events.
Grasping the difference between these two expressions is an essential part of using “finally in Chinese” accurately. It will not only help you avoid direct-translation mistakes, but also make your Mandarin more expressive and natural.
1. Difference Between 终于 and 最后
In English, the word “finally” can express either emotional relief or a final point in a process. However, in Chinese, these two nuances are typically separated into two different adverbs: 终于 (zhōngyú) and 最后 (zuìhòu). Understanding the difference between them is essential to using “finally in Chinese” naturally and accurately.
Use 终于 (zhōngyú) when expressing emotional relief or a long-awaited result
Tone: Subjective, emotional
Function: Emphasis on the result of effort, or something that has taken a long time to happen
Typical context:
Completing a difficult task
Reuniting after waiting
Achieving a personal goal
Example:我终于通过了考试。Wǒ zhōngyú tōngguò le kǎoshì.I finally passed the exam.(This implies it was hard, or took a long time—it expresses relief.)
Use 最后 (zuìhòu) when referring to the final part in a process or a time sequence
Tone: Objective, neutral
Function: Focus on order, sequencing, and event structure; not about feelings
Typical context:
Storytelling
Describing steps or events chronologically
Concluding presentations or lists
Example:最后，我们讨论了明年的计划。Zuìhòu, wǒmen tǎolùn le míngnián de jìhuà.Finally, we discussed next year’s plan.(No emotion – just the last step of a meeting or discussion.)
This distinction helps you express meaning concisely and naturally in Chinese—and also avoids the common mistake of overusing 终于 in factual, timeline-based narration.
2. How to Use Finally in Chinese Sentences
Understanding when and how to use “finally” in Chinese is about matching context with tone. In Mandarin, you'll typically express “finally” using either 终于 (zhōngyú) or 最后 (zuìhòu). Each has its own grammatical structure and emotional nuance.
Below are breakdowns of sentence patterns, usage tips, and clear examples for both.
Using 终于 (zhōngyú) – “Finally” with Emotional Relief
Function: To express that something desired or long-awaited has finally happened.
Tone: Emotional, subjective (often includes feelings of relief, joy, or success).
Common in: Conversations about effort, difficulty, persistence.
Sentence Pattern:
Subject + 终于 + Verb Phrase + 了
Example Sentences with 终于:
Chinese
Pinyin
English Translation
我终于下班了。
Wǒ zhōngyú xiàbān le.
I finally got off work.
她终于回家了。
Tā zhōngyú huí jiā le.
She finally came home.
我们终于找到他了。
Wǒmen zhōngyú zhǎodào tā le.
We finally found him.
Note: 终于 often appears with 了 after the verb to mark completed action.
Using 最后 (zuìhòu) – “Finally” in Logical Sequence
Function: Indicates the final step/event in a logical or chronological order.
Tone: Objective, neutral (used in narration or procedural contexts).
Common in: Instructions, storytelling, chronological explanations.
Structure A: 最后 + Subject + Verb
Structure B: Step 1..., Step 2..., 最后 + [final step]
Example Sentences with 最后:
Chinese
Pinyin
English Translation
最后，我们一起拍了照片。
Zuìhòu, wǒmen yìqǐ pāi le zhàopiàn.
Finally, we took a picture together.
我先洗澡，然后吃饭，最后睡觉。
Wǒ xiān xǐzǎo, ránhòu chīfàn, zuìhòu shuìjiào.
I showered first, then ate, and finally slept.
Tip: 最后 is especially useful in formal writing and structured storytelling.
Quick Practice Tip: Try retelling a short personal story—like a trip, a test experience, or a job search—using both 终于 and 最后 in the right places. This will help you solidify both emotional and logical uses of “finally in Chinese.”
II. Other Words and Phrases That Mean Finally in Chinese
While 终于 and 最后 are the most direct translations of "finally" in Chinese, native speakers also use a range of alternative expressions to convey similar meanings. These synonyms can add variety, emotion, precision, or formality depending on the context.
Learning to recognize and apply these alternatives not only expands your vocabulary, but also helps your Mandarin sound more expressive and fluent.
Expression
Meaning & Tone
Typical Use Case
Example (Chinese)
总算
zǒngsuàn
“At long last.” Informal, emotional. Expresses relief after a long wait or difficulty.
Spoken language, daily storytelling
总算下雨了。
Zǒngsuàn xià yǔ le.
t finally rained. (Implies long anticipation)
最终
zuìzhōng
“In the end” or “ultimately.” Formal, neutral. Refers to final outcomes in structured contexts.
Business, academic writing
他最终决定出国留学。
Tā zuìzhōng juédìng chūguó liúxué.
He eventually decided to study abroad.
好不容易
hǎo bù róngyì
“With great difficulty.” Strong emotional tone. Highlights how hard it was to reach the result.
Storytelling, personal experience
我们好不容易才买到票。
Wǒmen hǎo bù róngyì cái mǎi dào piào.
We finally got the tickets—after all that trouble.
When to Use Which?
Use 总算 when storytelling informally, especially when you’ve been hoping for something to happen.
Use 最终 when presenting objective results or in structured writing.
Use 好不容易 when you want to emphasize the effort or hardship involved in finally achieving something.
Understanding how to express finally in Chinese—through words like 终于, 最后, 总算, and others—not only improves your sentence accuracy, but also brings emotion and nuance to your Mandarin. Whether you’re sharing a story, finishing an argument, or writing an HSK essay, using the right adverb makes all the difference. Keep exploring Chinese with PREP’s learner-focused guides, and make every word count—finally included.