Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| finalement | /fi.nal.mɑ̃/ |
| à terme | /a tɛʁm/ |
| à la fin | /a la fɛ̃/ |
| finir par |
The way you translate 'eventually' depends on whether you are focusing on a final result, a specific end point or a long-term process.
Which one should you use?
finalement can mean 'eventually' but is also the standard word for 'finally' when describing a conclusion or a final decision. à la fin is used to denote the end of a specific period or sequence, while finalement focuses more on the result or the resolution of a situation. à terme is used to express that something will happen eventually in a more professional, temporal or financial sense, often implying a long-term process.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the idea of 'eventually' as a verb, such as 'he eventually succeeded', French often uses the construction finir par followed by an infinitive.
How do you pronounce it?
finalement is pronounced /fi.nal.mɑ̃/ and consists of 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use éventuellement to mean 'eventually'. In French, éventuellement actually means 'possibly' or 'if necessary'.
Did you know?
- While finalement translates to 'eventually', it is also the most common way to say 'after all' when changing a mind. For example, one might say finalement, je ne viendrai pas to mean 'actually, I won't come'.
- The French word finir was originally fenir in Old French. It was changed to its current spelling because people associated it with the noun fin for 'end'.
- The word finalement can be used to express a sense of relief or frustration depending on the tone. This is similar to how an English speaker might say 'Finally!' after a long wait.
Examples in context
- Tom a finalement avoué.Tom eventually confessed.This sentence shows how to use finalement to describe a confession.Tatoeba #5894709 by Aiji, translation #3825597 by CK
- Pierre perdra à la fin.Pietro will eventually lose.This sentence uses à la fin to indicate an outcome at the end of a sequence.Tatoeba #12480327 by always, translation #11715052 by Amastan
- Je fus finalement relâché.I was eventually released.This sentence demonstrates the use of finalement regarding a release.Tatoeba #2586244 by sacredceltic, translation #2544966 by CK
- Il a travaillé dur et finalement il a obtenu son diplôme.He worked hard and eventually got his degree.
- Après de nombreuses discussions, en fin de compte , nous avons pris une décision.After many discussions, eventually, we made a decision.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a difficult project.
- NathanEst-ce que tu penses qu'on va réussir ?Do you think we are going to succeed?
- ManonOui, on va finalement trouver une solution.Yes, we will eventually find a solution.
- NathanC'est vrai, mais c'est très long.That's true, but it's taking a very long time.
- ManonIl faut être patient, Nathan.You have to be patient, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eventually” translations and entries finalement, à terme, à la fin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fin, finalement, finir, la, par, terme, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
