とうとう Japanese meaning | KotomoraMeanings
1
adverb
finally; at last; in the end
usually written using kana alone
Expresses that something happens after a long time, effort, or process, often with a sense of inevitability or culmination.
彼は何度も挑戦して、とうとう夢をかなえた。
He tried many times and at last achieved his dream.
arrival, proceed, reach
頭head, counter for large animals Similar words
- やっと
やっと emphasizes relief after effort or waiting, while とうとう can also carry a sense of inevitability or finality, sometimes with a negative nuance.
- ついに
ついに is similar to とうとう but often sounds more formal or dramatic; in many contexts they are interchangeable.
Etymology
The historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 到頭 (arrive + head) are ateji used for their sound, not their meaning.
