結局
kekkyoku[ke̞k̚ʲkʲo̞kɯ̟]
The English phrase "eventually" can be translated into Japanese in several ways, most commonly as 結局 (kekkyoku). Wiktionary also lists ついに (tsui-ni) and 最終的に (saishūteki ni).
Meaning: in the end (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 結局 | kekkyoku | [ke̞k̚ʲkʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| ついに | tsui-ni | [t͡sɨiɲ̟i] (narrow) |
| 最終的に | saishūteki ni | |
| やっと | yatto | [ja̠t̚to̞] (narrow) |
The words in this group are used to express a final outcome or conclusion after a period of time or a series of events.
Which one should you use?
結局 is used when a final result is seen as a consequence of events, sometimes implying "after all" or "it turned out that". ついに is used for a long-awaited or significant conclusion, often carrying an emotional weight of achievement or a dramatic culmination. While ついに focuses on the momentousness of the event, やっと emphasizes the relief or the difficulty overcome to reach a goal. 最終的に is more clinical and objective, used to describe the final stage of a process, often in business, logical arguments or technical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
kekkyoku
Did you know?
- The word 結局 shares its first character with the word for 'conclusion' or 'result', but it also refers to the physical act of tying a knot in a string.
- While やっと means 'finally', it is often used in phrases that translate to 'barely' or 'just barely' when describing a narrow margin of success.
- When using やっと, Japanese speakers often accompany the word with a deep sigh of relief to emphasize the struggle that preceded the result.
Examples in context
- トムの夢はついに実現した。Tom's dream eventually came true.This sentence shows how to use ついに regarding a dream coming true.Tatoeba #8868806 by small_snow, translation #5383123 by CK
- 二人の口論は結局引き分けに終わった。Their argument eventually ended in a draw.This sentence shows how to use 結局 regarding an argument ending in a draw.Tatoeba #123108 by arnab, translation #280892 by CM
- たくさん食べれば、結局は太ってしまうよ。If you eat a lot, you'll eventually get fat.This sentence shows how to use 結局 to describe a consequence of eating a lot.Tatoeba #1929049 by Unaden, translation #1934655 by Wittich
- この計画は最終的に成功しました。This plan eventually succeeded.
- 彼は結局はその仕事を諦めました。He eventually gave up on that job.
- いくら頑張っても、最終的には運が必要だ。No matter how hard you work, eventually you need luck.
- 彼は結局、日本に留学することになった。He eventually ended up studying abroad in Japan.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing what to eat for dinner after looking at a menu.
- 美咲 Misaki何にする？Nani ni suru?What are you going to have?
- 蓮 Ren迷ったけど、結局カレーにするよ。Mayotta kedo, kekkyoku kare ni suru yo.I was undecided, but in the end, I'll have the curry.
- 美咲 Misakiいいと思う！私もカレーにする。Ii to omou! Watashi mo kare ni suru.I think that's good! I'll have the curry too.
- 蓮 Renやったね。Yatta ne.Nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eventually” translations and entries 結局, ついに, やっと, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
