Learning a new language can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. One of the essential phrases you need to know when learning Japanese is “finally.” Being familiar with how to say finally in Japanese can help you express yourself more effectively.
In this section of our guide, we will provide you with a complete and easy-to-understand guide on how to say finally in Japanese. We will explore the different expressions that the Japanese language uses to convey this meaning and teach you some useful phrases that can be used in conversations.
By the end of this section, you will have a solid foundation in using the appropriate word for finally in different contexts, and you will be ready to start incorporating it into your conversations.
So, if you’re ready to learn how to say finally in Japanese, let’s get started!
Understanding the Concept of “Finally” in Japanese
Before we delve into the specific phrases for “finally” in Japanese, it’s important to grasp the concept of expressing “finally” in the Japanese language. The Japanese language has different ways to convey the idea of “finally,” depending on the context and the situation at hand.
Generally, “finally” is expressed as the adverb “tsui ni” or “yatto” in Japanese, but there are other ways to express it, depending on the context. For instance, you can use “saigo ni” when something is done at the very end, “tsuihou” when something has been banned or prohibited until now, or “moto kara no” when something has been in the works for a long time.
It’s important to understand the context and the nuances of each expression to use them appropriately. Let’s explore some of the common ways to express “finally” in Japanese.
Expressions Used for “Finally” in Japanese
1. Tsui ni
| Japanese | Translation |
|---|---|
| ついに | Finally |
“Tsui ni” is the most commonly used expression for “finally” in Japanese. It can be used in a broad range of situations and is equivalent to the English adverb “finally.”
2. Saigo ni
| Japanese | Translation |
|---|---|
| 最後に | Finally/At last |
“Saigo ni” is used when something is done at the very end. For example, “Saigo ni kore ga dekita” means “Finally, this is done.”
3. Tsuihou
| Japanese | Translation |
|---|---|
| 追放 | Banned/Prohibited until now |
“Tsuihou” is used when something has been banned or prohibited until now. For example, “Tsuihou sareta tokoro de” means “Finally, in a place where it was prohibited.”
4. Moto kara no
| Japanese | Translation |
|---|---|
| 元からの | From the beginning/From the start |
“Moto kara no” is used when something has been in the works for a long time. For example, “Moto kara no yume ga tsui ni kanau” means “Finally, the dream from the beginning has come true.”
Understanding the different expressions for “finally” in Japanese is essential before using them in a conversation. In the next section, we will introduce you to the most commonly used Japanese words that can be translated as “finally.”
Common Japanese Words for “Finally”
To effectively communicate in Japanese, it’s important to understand the different words that can be translated as “finally.” Below are some of the most commonly used Japanese words for “finally” and their meanings:
| Japanese Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ついに (tsuini) | At last, finally |
| やっと (yatto) | Finally, at last |
| とうとう (toutou) | Finally, at last, ultimately |
| 最後に (saigo ni) | Finally, at the end |
These words can be used in different situations depending on the context. For example, “ついに” (tsuini) is often used to express the excitement of finally achieving something after a long wait, while “やっと” (yatto) is used to express relief or satisfaction.
Here are some examples of how these words can be used in a sentence:
- ついに日本に来ました！(Tsuini Nihon ni kimashita!) – I finally came to Japan!
- やっと仕事が終わった。(Yatto shigoto ga owatta.) – Finally, the work is finished.
- とうとう夢が叶った。(Toutou yume ga kanatta.) – Finally, my dream came true.
- 最後に、お礼を言いたいと思います。(Saigo ni, orei wo iitai to omoimasu.) – Finally, I would like to express my gratitude.
By familiarizing yourself with these words and their usage, you’ll be able to use the appropriate word for “finally” in different situations. Moving on, we’ll explore some useful phrases that can also be used to express the concept of “finally” in Japanese.
How to Express “Finally” in Japanese Phrases
Individual words are just one way to express “finally” in Japanese. The language also uses phrases to convey the same meaning. Here are some useful Japanese phrases that can be used to express the idea of “finally.”
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ついに (tsui ni) | At last | ついにこの日が来ました。(Tsui ni kono hi ga kimashita.) – At last, this day has come. |
| ようやく (youyaku) | Finally, after a long wait or effort | 彼女とようやく付き合えました。(Kanojo to youyaku tsukiaemashita.) – Finally, I can date her after a long wait. |
| とうとう (tou tou) | Finally, after a long time or expectation | とうとう夢が叶いました。(Tou tou yume ga kanaimashita.) – Finally, my dream came true. |
By using these phrases, you can emphasize the sense of accomplishment or relief associated with the word “finally.” It’s important to note that the choice of phrase depends on the context, so make sure to use them appropriately.
Common Situations Where “Finally” is Used in Japanese
Learning how and when to use “finally” in Japanese is essential for effective communication. Here are some common situations where the Nihongo translation for “finally” is commonly used:
In Making an Announcement
When making an announcement, “finally” can be used to express the end result or conclusion. For example, if you were to make an announcement about a project completion, you can use 「ついに」(tsuini) which means “at last” or “finally”.
| English | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Finally, the project is complete! | ついに、プロジェクトが完了しました！ | Tsuini, purojekuto ga kanryou shimashita! |
In Expressing Relief
“Finally” can also be used to express relief after a long wait. In this case, you can use 「やっと」(yatto) which means “at last” or “finally”. For example, if you have been waiting for something for a long time, you can use this phrase to express your relief.
| English | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Finally, the train arrived! | やっと、電車が来ました！ | Yatto, densha ga kimashita! |
In Describing the End of an Action
“Finally” can also be used to describe the end of an action or event. In this case, you can use 「最後に」(saigo ni) which means “finally” or “in the end”. For example, if you were to describe the end of a movie or a book, you can use this phrase.
| English | Japanese | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Finally, the villain was defeated. | 最後に、悪役は倒されました。 | Saigo ni, akuyaku wa taosaremashita. |
Knowing how and when to use “finally” in Japanese will enable you to express yourself naturally and appropriately in various conversational scenarios.
Tips for Using “Finally” in Japanese Conversations
Now that you have learned different ways to say “finally” in Japanese, here are some tips to help you use them effectively in your conversations:
| Tips | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Consider the Context | As we discussed earlier, Japanese has multiple ways to express “finally” depending on the situation. Be mindful of the context and choose the appropriate word or phrase accordingly. |
| Practice Pronunciation | Take some time to practice pronouncing the words and phrases correctly. Not only will this improve your communication skills, but it will also help you sound more natural and confident. |
| Use Intonation | In Japanese, intonation can change the meaning of a word or phrase. When saying “finally,” make sure to use the correct intonation to convey the intended meaning. |
| Listen to Native Speakers | To further improve your understanding and usage of “finally” in Japanese, listen to native speakers and pay attention to how they use the different words and phrases in different situations. |
By following these tips, you can enhance your overall Japanese language skills and effectively express “finally” in conversations.
Recap and Practice Exercises
Now that you have learned the different ways to say “finally” in Japanese, it’s time to recap what you have learned and test your knowledge through practice exercises.
Recap
First, let’s review the different ways to express “finally” in Japanese:
- The adverb “yatto” (やっと)
- The adverb “tsui ni” (ついに)
- The adverb “saigo ni” (最後に)
- The phrase “tsui ni” followed by a verb in past tense
- The phrase “nagai machi” (長い待ち) followed by a verb in past tense
Remember, the appropriate usage of each word or phrase depends on the context and situation.
Practice Exercises
Now, let’s practice using the different ways to say “finally” in Japanese:
- You have been waiting for the train for an hour. Express your relief that it has finally arrived using the correct Japanese word or phrase.
- You have been studying Japanese for months. Express your excitement that you have finally learned how to say “finally” in Japanese.
- You have been planning a trip to Japan for years. Express your joy that you have finally booked your plane tickets using the correct Japanese word or phrase.
By completing these exercises, you will reinforce your understanding of how to express “finally” in Japanese and feel confident in using these words and phrases in your conversations.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to say “finally” in Japanese?
A: There are multiple ways to express “finally” in Japanese depending on the context. Some common phrases include “tsui ni” (ついに), “yatto” (やっと), and “saigo ni” (最後に). It is important to choose the appropriate phrase based on the situation.
Q: How can I use the word or phrase for “finally” naturally in conversations?
A: To use the word or phrase for “finally” naturally in conversations, it is crucial to understand the context and appropriate situations. Pay attention to native speakers’ usage and practice incorporating these expressions into your own conversations. This will help you communicate effectively and naturally.
Q: Are there any specific tips for using the Japanese translation for “finally”?
A: Yes, here are a few tips for using the Japanese translation for “finally” effectively:
1. Understand the nuances: Different phrases have slight nuances and are used in specific contexts. Familiarize yourself with these nuances to use the appropriate expression.
2. Practice pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of the word or phrase to ensure clear communication.
3. Use natural intonation: Japanese has specific intonation patterns. Mimicking native speakers’ intonation will make your usage sound more natural.
4. Learn through examples: Study and practice using “finally” in various example sentences to better internalize the usage in different situations.