finally
/ˈfaɪnəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfaɪnəli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfī-nᵊl-ē ˈfīn-lē/ (ame, mw)
finally — 副詞
1. happening after a stretch of waiting or effort, when you have been hoping for it
終於
經過長時間等待或困難後發生
happening after a stretch of waiting or effort, when you have been hoping for it to come about.
After three hours of searching, Nora finally found her keys under the sofa.
Nora 搜尋了三個小時，終於在沙發底下找到鑰匙。
finally + after [time period] for completed event
It took three attempts, but Eleni finally passed her driving test.
Eleni 考了三次，終於通過駕照考試。
finally + after [number of attempts] showing persistence
The train finally arrived at the station, forty minutes late.
火車終於抵達車站，晚了四十分鐘。
When spring finally arrived, the garden burst into full bloom.
春天終於來臨時，花園裡百花盛開。
Walid finally reached the top of the mountain just before sunset.
Walid 在日落前終於抵達山頂。
- eventually
less emotional; simply states something happened after a period, without the same sense of relief
- at last
more emphatic and emotional; often used in exclamations ('At last!')
- in the end
focuses on the final outcome after considering alternatives, rather than the waiting itself
- immediately
opposite in time — happening at once rather than after a delay
- initially
refers to the start of a process, not the end
文法句型
finally + simple past verb
finally + after + [time period / number of attempts]
用法筆記
Frequently used with the simple past tense to mark the end of a waiting period. Can appear mid-sentence before the main verb (subject + finally + verb) or at the start of a clause for emphasis.
常見錯誤
2. placed at the front of a sentence, followed by a comma, to show that what follow
最後
用於句首，引出最後一點或項目
placed at the front of a sentence, followed by a comma, to show that what follows is the closing item in a list, reason, or argument.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who helped with the project.
最後，我想感謝所有協助這個專案的人。
discourse marker: Finally, + [sentence]
And finally, remember to lock all the doors before you leave.
最後，離開前記得鎖好所有的門。
And finally, + [imperative sentence]
Finally, we need to discuss who will lead the new team.
最後，我們需要討論誰來帶領新團隊。
Brooke spoke about the budget and, finally, about the timeline for the next phase.
Brooke 先談了預算，最後談到下一階段的時間表。
- lastly
interchangeable in most lists, though 'finally' is slightly more common in speech
- in conclusion
more formal; typically used in written essays or speeches
文法句型
Finally, + [sentence]
And finally, + [sentence]
用法筆記
Typically followed by a comma. Common in speeches, presentations, and structured writing. When listing points with 'firstly / secondly / thirdly', use 'finally' (not 'lastly') for the final item in formal contexts.
常見錯誤
3. in a complete way that cannot be changed or questioned — used when a decision, a
最終；徹底
以無法改變的方式決定
in a complete way that cannot be changed or questioned — used when a decision, agreement, or settlement puts an end to discussion or uncertainty.
The judge finally settled the matter by announcing her decision in court.
法官在法庭上宣佈判決，徹底解決了這個案子。
finally + [verb of settling] for definitive end
The two sides have finally agreed on the terms of the deal.
雙方最終就這筆交易的條件達成協議。
finally + [verb of agreeing] for binding outcome
Nothing has been finally decided yet — we are still waiting for the report.
目前還沒有做出最終決定——我們還在等那份報告。
Valentina finally resolved the argument by giving a clear and honest answer.
Valentina 給了明確而誠實的答覆，徹底化解了爭論。
- definitively
more formal; strongly emphasises that no further change is possible
- for good
informal; adds a sense of permanence ('We settled it for good')
- temporarily
opposite in durability — for now but open to change
- provisionally
arranged for the present but subject to revision
文法句型
finally + [verb of deciding / agreeing]
not + finally + [past participle]
用法筆記
Commonly modifies verbs of deciding, agreeing, settling, or resolving. In negative sentences (e.g. 'not finally decided'), it signals the matter remains open. In formal or legal writing, this sense carries the weight of finality.