Finally in Chinese: Meaning, Usage, and Common Words

The word “finally” can be expressed in several ways in Chinese, most commonly as 终于 (zhōngyú) or 最后 (zuìhòu). This guide explains their meanings, subtle differences, and how to use each in sentences, along with other useful alternatives like 总算, 最终, and 好不容易.

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

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:

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:

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.

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.