Translation guide
The English word "finally" has several distinct uses: expressing relief after a long wait, marking the last item in a sequence, and indicating a conclusive or definitive outcome. Japanese uses different expressions for each nuance.
Express that something happened after a long time, often with relief or impatience.
The most common and natural way to say 'finally' when something long-awaited happens. Conveys relief or a sense of 'at last'.
Similar to やっと but slightly more formal or literary. Often used in writing or polite speech.
It's finally starting to feel like spring.
Often translated as 'finally', but carries a stronger sense of 'at last' after a long process or anticipation. Can be used for both positive and negative outcomes.
My dream finally came true.
In the end, he didn't come.
Introduce the final point, step, or item in a list.
Indicate that something is settled, decided, or done in a way that won't change.
Means 'after all' or 'in the end'. Used when the final result is different from what was expected, or when summarizing a situation.
In the end, he didn't come.
Similar to ついに, emphasizes that something has finally happened after a long time, often with a sense of inevitability.
やっと is the most common and casual, expressing relief. ようやく is more formal and often used in writing. ついに implies a long-awaited moment, sometimes with a dramatic tone, and can be used for negative outcomes as well.
最後に only works for sequences. Using it for 'after a long wait' sounds unnatural. Use やっと or ようやく instead.
We finally meet. (NOT 最後に会えたね)
Finally, we gave up on the plan.
とうとう雨が降り出した。
It finally started raining.