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:
SIMILAR WORDS: