Meaning and Usage
The adverb とうとう means "finally" or "at last," and it is used to express that something has happened after a long wait, effort, or process. It often implies a sense of conclusion or inevitability.
Common Contexts
とうとう is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe outcomes that have been anticipated or awaited. It can be used with both positive and negative results.
Collocations and Patterns
- とうとう + verb (past tense): to indicate that something has finally happened.
- とうとう + negative verb: to express that something expected did not happen.
Nuances
とうとう often carries a nuance of relief, resignation, or sometimes disappointment depending on context. It is more formal than ついに but less formal than 最後に.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse とうとう with ついに. While both mean "finally," ついに can be more neutral or positive, whereas とうとう often emphasizes the end of a long wait or struggle, sometimes with a slightly negative or resigned tone.