终于 · 果然
终于: at last (after a long wait) · 果然: sure enough, just as expected
Structure
主语 + 终于 + 动词 + 了 · （主语 +） 果然 + 动词／形容词
What it means
终于 means “at last”, after a long wait or a lot of trouble. 果然 means “sure enough”: things turned out just as someone said or expected.
How it is built
Subject + 终于 + verb + 了: 等了半天，车终于来了 (after a long wait, the bus finally came). (Subject +) 果然 + verb／adjective: 我想他会迟到，他果然迟到了 (I thought he’d be late, and sure enough he was).
When to use it
Use 终于 for relief after waiting or effort; the sentence usually ends in 了: 我终于找到了！ Use 果然 only when the story already has a guess, prediction or warning: 王明说那家饭馆好吃，果然很好吃.
Watch out
终于 is not “last” in a list; for that say 最后: ✗ 先吃饭，再看电影，终于回家。 ✓ 先吃饭，再看电影，最后回家。
Examples
等了半天，车终于来了。
After a long wait, the bus finally came.
王明说那家饭馆好吃，果然很好吃。
Wang Ming said that restaurant was good, and sure enough it was.
我想他会迟到，他果然迟到了。
I thought he’d be late, and sure enough he was.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 7: 手机被人拿走了 (A stolen phone)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →