1.
finally, at last, in the end
After a long time or much effort, something finally happens. Often implies the speaker has been waiting for or expecting this outcome.
とうとう indicates that something finally happened after a long wait or process, often with a sense of inevitability.
Writing
Usually written in hiragana. The kanji form 到頭 exists but is rarely used.
CONTRAST WITH やっと:
- とうとう: finally (positive or negative, sense of inevitability)
- やっと: finally (usually positive, relief after effort)
Examples
Similar words
Related Words
Synonym:
遂に (finally (interchangeable))
Synonym:
やっと (finally (relief/effort))
Compare:
結局 (in the end, after all)