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.

My dream finally came true.

It finally started raining.

In the end, he didn't come.

Negative outcome

After waiting a long time, the bus finally came.

After practicing many times, I was finally able to play this song. I'm really happy.

とうとう indicates that something finally happened after a long wait or process, often with a sense of inevitability.

Usually written in hiragana. The kanji form 到頭(とうとう) exists but is rarely used.

やっと: finally, at last; usually a welcome result reached with relief after effort or waiting. とうとう can report a good or a bad outcome and stresses that it was bound to come.
遂(つい)に: finally, at last (more formal)
結局(けっきょく): in the end, after all

Related Words

core

Added 2026.1.7 21:24 · Revised 2026.10.8 15:21

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