1.
in the end, ultimately, eventually
A sentence adverbial used to mark the final outcome of a sequence of events or situations, often after describing intervening struggles or changes. Similar to English 'in the end,' 'eventually,' or 'at last.' Frequently signals a conclusion that contrasts with earlier expectations.
最後には笑顔になった。
In the end, she broke into a smile.
苦しかったが、最後には全員ゴールできた。
It was tough, but in the end, everyone managed to reach the finish.
何度も反対されたが、最後には計画が認められた。
Although they faced opposition many times, in the end the plan was approved.
誰もが途中でやめたいと思ったが、最後には全員やり遂げた達成感で涙を流した。
Everyone thought about giving up partway through, but in the end, they all cried with a sense of accomplishment at having seen it through.
A fixed phrase combining 最後 ('the last; the end') with the locative particle に and the topic/contrast particle は. The は adds a sense of contrast with earlier stages, giving the expression a strong 'despite all that, in the end ~' nuance.
USAGE:
- Typically appears at the start of a clause or sentence as a sentence adverbial, marking the resolution of a narrative or sequence.
- The contrast nuance from は makes it especially natural in 'struggles-then-resolution' stories — e.g., describing a comeback, a reconciliation, or a successful conclusion after setbacks.
- Often pairs with verbs of outcome like 勝つ ('win'), 認められる ('be accepted'), 成功する ('succeed'), 許す ('forgive').
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 最後には勝つ: to win in the end
- 最後には笑う: to have the last laugh
- 最後には認められる: to be recognized in the end
- 最後には諦めた: in the end, I gave up
- 最後には仲直りした: in the end, we made up
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 最後に: 'at last; finally' — used in enumerations ('first ~, then ~, finally ~') and simple temporal orderings, without the contrastive nuance of は.
- ついに: 'at last; finally' — emphasizes the long-awaited arrival of an outcome; more emotional weight than 最後には.
- 結局: 'after all; in the end' — focuses on the final result, often with a sense of resignation or surprise that things turned out this way.
- 最終的に: 'ultimately; finally' — more formal, often used in written and business contexts for a definitive conclusion.
- 最後の最後に: 'at the very last moment' — stronger, emphasizing the last possible instant.