果(は)たして

はたして
adverb
as expected; really (rhetorical)
expression
1. as expected, sure enough
Indicates that something turned out just as one expected or feared. Often used when confirming a prediction.
果(は)たして予想(よそう)通(どお)りだった。
Sure enough, it was just as expected.
心配(しんぱい)していたが、果(は)たして雨(あめ)が降(ふ)り出(だ)した。
I had been worried, and sure enough, it started to rain.
彼(かれ)は大丈夫(だいじょうぶ)だと言(い)っていたが、果(は)たしてその言葉(ことば)通(どお)り、無事(ぶじ)に帰(かえ)ってきた。
He said he'd be fine, and sure enough, true to his word, he returned safely.
2. really, indeed (rhetorical)
Used in questions to express doubt or wonder about whether something is truly the case. Adds a rhetorical or contemplative tone.
果(は)たして本当(ほんとう)だろうか。
Is it really true, I wonder?
果(は)たしてこの計画(けいかく)はうまくいくのか。
Will this plan really work out?
人間(にんげん)は果(は)たして自然(しぜん)と共存(きょうぞん)できるのだろうか。
Can humans really coexist with nature?

Usage

Sense 1 (as expected) typically appears in narrative or reporting contexts, confirming something that was anticipated. It often pairs with past-tense statements.

Sense 2 (really?) appears in questions, often with だろうか or のか, adding a contemplative or skeptical nuance. Common in essays, speeches, and inner monologue.

Etymology

From the verb 果(は)たす (to fulfill, to carry out). The て-form became fixed as an adverb meaning "as a result" or "in the end."

Related Words

Related: 果(は)たす (to fulfill (etymology))
Synonym: やはり (as expected (casual))
Synonym: 案(あん)の定(じょう) (as expected)
general
Added 2026.2.23 20:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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