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.
映画の最後に、主人公は家に帰った。
In the end of the movie, the protagonist went home.
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.
結局、すべては報われた。
In the end, it was all worth it.
最終的に、私たちは引っ越すことに決めた。
In the end, we decided to move.
結局、彼は来なかった。
In the end, he didn't come.
色々考えたが、結局元の計画に戻った。
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.
最終的に、プロジェクトは中止になった。
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'.
とうとう雨が降り出した。
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.
ついに夢が叶った。
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.
やっぱり彼が犯人だった。
In the end, he was the culprit (as I suspected).
Similar to 最後に, but slightly more literary or formal. Often used in written narratives.
長い旅の終わりに、彼は故郷に戻った。
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'.
最終章で、謎が解ける。
In the end (of the book), the mystery is solved.