結局
kekkyoku[ke̞k̚ʲkʲo̞kɯ̟]
The English phrase "in the end" is translated into Japanese as 結局 (kekkyoku).
結局 is used to describe a final result or outcome after a series of events. It often implies that the conclusion was reached despite previous circumstances or that the outcome was unexpected.
Meaning: eventually, finally (prep_phrase)
Which one should you use?
結局 focuses on the final result of a process.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the particle は to the form, you create 結局は. This version can be used to emphasize the finality of a result or to contrast the final outcome with what was previously expected.
How do you pronounce it?
kekkyoku
Did you know?
- The word 結局 contains the character 局, which refers to a 'government office' or 'department' in modern Japanese. This stems from its original meaning of a 'limited' or 'fixed' area of a physical space.
- While 結局 means 'in the end', Japanese speakers often use it to signal that they are about to admit defeat or concede a point during an argument.
- The phrase 結局のところ is often used as a conversational filler, similar to how an English speaker might say 'at the end of the day'.
Examples in context
- 結局、来なかったよ。She didn't come in the end.This sentence shows how to use 結局 to describe a person not arriving.Tatoeba #11075451 by small_snow, translation #10602280 by sundown
- 結局すべてがうまく行った。It all turned out for the best in the end.This sentence uses 結局 to describe a situation turning out well.Tatoeba #175828 by small_snow, translation #238637 by CM
- 結局、胃袋を掴んだもの勝ちだよね。In the end, capture the stomach to win.This sentence uses 結局 to discuss a final conclusion regarding a specific saying.Tatoeba #10359839 by small_snow, translation #10363813 by terrywallwork
- 会議の結果、結局は新しい計画が採用されました。In the end, the new plan was adopted in the meeting.
- 映画は最後にハッピーエンドで終わりました。The movie ended with a happy ending in the end.
- 彼は最初反対していたが、結果的には賛成しました。He was initially against it, but in the end, he agreed.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a movie they just watched.
- 陽葵 Himari結局、どうなったの？kekkyoku, dou natta no?In the end, what happened?
- 大翔 Hiroto結局、二人は結婚したよ。kekkyoku, futari wa kekkon shita yo.In the end, the two of them got married.
- 陽葵 Himariよかったね。yokatta ne.That's good.
- 大翔 Hirotoハッピーエンドだったよ。happii endo datta yo.It was a happy ending.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in the end” translations and entries 結局, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
