Translation guide
Expresses the final outcome or conclusion after a process, often contrasting with earlier expectations or events. Can also refer to the final part of a period or story.
To say what finally happened or what the result was after everything, often implying a contrast with earlier events or expectations.
The most common and versatile way to say 'in the end' when talking about a final outcome. It often carries a nuance of 'after all' or 'as it turned out'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
To refer to the last part of a time period, event, or narrative.
Literally 'at the end'. Used for the final moment or part of something. Can be used for stories, events, or sequences.
結局 is more conversational and often implies a contrast with expectations or a winding path to the outcome. 最終的に is more formal and simply states the final result without necessarily implying a change of plans.
Do not translate 'in the end' word-for-word as 終わりに or 最後に when you mean the final outcome. Use 結局 or 最終的に instead. 最後に is only for the literal end of a sequence or story.
In the end, it was all worth it.
In the end, he didn't come.
We thought about it a lot, but in the end we went back to the original plan.
More formal and neutral than 結局. Emphasizes the final stage of a process or decision. Common in business or official contexts.
In the end, the project was canceled.
Implies that something happened after a long time or much anticipation. Often used when the outcome was expected or inevitable. Can be translated as 'finally' or 'at last'.
In the end, it started raining.
Similar to とうとう, but often carries a stronger sense of culmination or achievement. Used for both positive and negative outcomes.
In the end, my dream came true.
Casual. Expresses that the outcome was as expected or that one's initial thought was correct. Often translated as 'as I thought' or 'after all'. Can be used like 'in the end' when confirming a suspicion.
In the end, he was the culprit (as I suspected).
In the end of the movie, the protagonist went home.
Similar to 最後に, but slightly more literary or formal. Often used in written narratives.
In the end of his long journey, he returned to his hometown.
Specifically for the final chapter of a book or story. 'In the final chapter'.
In the end (of the book), the mystery is solved.
In the end, we decided to move.