とうとう
とうとう
adverb
finally, at last
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:
- とうとう夢が叶った: My dream finally came true (positive)
- とうとう来なかった: In the end, they didn't come (negative)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- やっと: finally, at last (relief)
- 遂に: finally, at last (more formal)
- 結局: in the end, after all