Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 8: 17/23

遂(つい)にFinally, At last

Structure

ついに + Phrase

Details

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    Standard

About 遂に

Like とうとう, 遂(つい)に is an adverb that is frequently used to mean 'finally', or 'at last'. It will usually come at the beginning of a sentence.

遂(つい)に may be seen equally as often with or without kanji. When compared to 到頭(とうとう), ついに is slightly more formal.

Caution

The kanji 遂(つい) has a meaning similar to 'to get (something) over with'. Due to this, ついに will most often be used to highlight things that have finally happened after a significant period of time, or a long course of events. It will not be used to express things that do not require time or effort.

Related

Examples

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    遂(つい)に論文(ろんぶん)を書(か)き上(あ)げた。

    I finally finished writing my thesis.

    遂(つい)に犯人(はんにん)を捕(つか)まえることができた。

    I was finally able to catch the criminal.

    遂(つい)に借金(しゃっきん)を払(はら)い終(お)えた。

    I was finally able to pay off my debt.

    遂(つい)に孫(まご)に身長(しんちょう)で負(ま)けてしまった。

    My grandchild outgrew me at last.

    彼女(かのじょ)にプロポーズをする日(ひ)が遂(つい)に来(き)た。

    The day I propose to her has finally come.

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遂に – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (3 in total)

  • asdfpotato

    asdfpotato

    I’m confused as when to use つい instead of ついに

  • asdfpotato

    asdfpotato

    Update:
    つい - Used to indicate unintentionally doing something
    ついに - Finally, at last

  • casual

    casual

    ついに is always used about some positive outcome right?
    After working for something, or waiting for something, it finally happens.

    I’m a little lost with this example sentence from きり (JLPT N3) | Bunpro grammar point:

    父がついに寝たきりになってしまった。

    The outcome of becoming bedridden probably happens after a long lead-up to it, but is it something the speaker considers positive?

    Or is there a better synonym for “at long last, something predictable that we’ve been dreading, came to pass”?

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