Japanese word

結局

Pronunciation

Romajikekkyoku

Meaning

  • adverbin the end

Example

結局、電車で行きます。kek kyoku den sha de i ki ma su

In the end, I will go by train.

Illustration for 結局 (in the end)

More examples

彼は結局来ませんでした。kare wa kek kyoku ki ma se n de shi ta

He did not come after all.

Core concept

Shows that a final outcome emerges after events, choices, or discussions have run their course.

Common phrases

  • 結局のところkek kyoku no to ko ro

    in the end

Similar words

最終的にsaishūtekini: Indicates the final result after a process or several events.
とうとうtōtō: Indicates that an expected result finally occurs after delay or difficulty.
結果的にkekkatekini: Indicates a result that follows from events, whether or not it was intended.

Definition in Japanese

いろいろな経過をたどったあとで、最後にはある結果に落ち着くさま。i ro i ro na kei ka o ta do tta a to de sai go ni wa a ru kek ka ni o chi tsu ku sa ma

Word origin

結局 (kekkyoku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 結 (ketsu, "tie") and 局 (kyoku, "situation"), describing the situation reached when matters come together.

Usage tips

  • 結局 (kekkyoku) commonly points back to what actually happened after earlier possibilities were considered, which gives it the useful sense of "after all."

Other meanings

  • eventuallyadverb
  • after alladverb

Word lists with this word