終於 means finally/at last, indicating long-awaited or difficultly achieved outcome.
Delayed achievement marker - outcome comes after waiting/effort
Emotional culmination nuance - relief, satisfaction, closure
Narrative milestone signal - marks turning point completion
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Implies prior delay or effort
- Without buildup, 終於 may sound odd.
Different from finally as simple sequence marker
- Carries stronger culmination nuance.
Can convey relief/frustration depending on context
- Pragmatic tone varies.
We finally completed the project.
He finally replied to the email.
The rain finally stopped.
After many revisions, the plan was finally finalized.
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