总算
finally, at long last (with relief); at least, all things considered
Structure
（主语）总算 动词（了）
What it means
Something you wanted finally happens after a long wait or real effort, with a sigh of relief. It also means “at least, all things considered” about a so-so result.
How it is built
Subject + 总算 + verb (+ 了): 等了一个多月，梅雨总算结束了 (after a month of waiting, the rains are finally over). Second sense: 总算 + 还 + adjective: 结果总算还可以.
When to use it
终于 is neutral and reports any end, welcome or not; 总算 is for good news only and adds relief. Spoken and written alike, often with 了.
Watch out
Never use 总算 for a bad outcome: ✗ 连着加了一个月班，他总算病倒了。 ✓ …他终于病倒了。 Only 终于 can report unwelcome news.
Examples
等了一个多月，梅雨总算结束了。
After more than a month of waiting, the plum rains are finally over.
虽然没拿到第一名，可我们总算进了决赛。
We did not come first, but at least we made the final.
这次的结果总算还可以，没白忙。
The result is all right on the whole; our hard work was not wasted.
Learn this in Lesson 15 · HSK 5: 梅雨、回南天与台风 (Plum rains, “returning south” days and typhoons)
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.
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