Translation guide
Expresses that something long-awaited or long-expected has finally happened. Japanese uses several adverbs and phrases depending on the nuance: relief, culmination, or after much effort.
The speaker feels relief or happiness that something expected has finally occurred.
The most common and natural way to say 'at last' when expressing relief or that something took a long time. Used in casual and formal speech.
Similar to やっと but slightly more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. Emphasizes that something was achieved after effort or a long process.
Often used for dramatic or momentous events, like a long-awaited moment finally arriving. Can carry a sense of culmination.
Emphasizes that something has been achieved after sustained effort, not just waiting.
Implies that something has finally happened after a long time or much effort, often with a sense of inevitability. Common in both speech and writing.
It's finally completed.
He finally gave up.
Used when a long-anticipated moment is about to happen, often with excitement. Can also mean 'more and more' or 'at the critical moment'.
Indicates that something happens as the final event in a sequence.
Literally 'at the end', used to mark the final step or moment. Not always a direct translation of 'at last', but fits when emphasizing finality.
At last, he arrived (as the final person).
Emphasizes that something was achieved with great difficulty. 'At long last' or 'barely managed to'.
やっと is the most colloquial and expresses relief. ようやく is more formal and emphasizes gradual progress. ついに is dramatic, often for positive or negative climaxes. とうとう implies inevitability and is neutral in register.
The rain finally stopped (relief).
The rain finally stopped (after a long time).
At last, the rain stopped (dramatic).
The rain finally stopped (inevitably).
ようやく春が来た。
Spring has come at last.
I finally found a job.
At last, that day has come.
My dream has finally come true.
いよいよ明日出発だ。
At last, we leave tomorrow.
It's finally showtime.
At last, I barely caught the last train.