やっと
やっと
adverb
finally, at last
1.
finally, at last
After a long time or much effort.
やっと終わった。
It's finally over.
やっと春が来た。
Spring has finally come.
長い冬が終わり、やっと暖かくなってきた。
The long winter has ended, and it's finally getting warm.
何年もかかってやっと夢を実現できた。
After many years, I was finally able to realize my dream.
2.
barely, just
Only just; with difficulty.
やっと電車に間に合った。
I barely made it in time for the train.
やっと生活できるくらいの給料だ。
It's a salary I can barely live on.
今月はやっと家賃を払えるくらいしか稼げなかった。
This month, I only earned barely enough to pay the rent.
やっと expresses that something happened after a long wait or much effort, often conveying relief.
MEANINGS:
1. Finally, at last (after waiting or effort)
2. Barely, just (with difficulty)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- やっと終わった: it's finally over
- やっと間に合った: barely made it in time
- やっと分かった: finally understood
- やっと会えた: finally got to meet
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ようやく: finally (more formal, similar meaning)
- とうとう: finally (can be positive or negative outcome)
- ついに: at last (often for significant events)
やっと implies personal relief or satisfaction after effort or waiting.