Level 3

마침내

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Meaning and Usage

The adverb '마침내' means 'finally' or 'in the end' and is used to express that something has happened after a long wait, effort, or process. It often implies a sense of relief or conclusion.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see '마침내' in narratives describing achievements, the end of difficult situations, or the conclusion of events.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 마침내 + verb: to indicate the final occurrence of an action (e.g., 마침내 성공하다 - finally succeed)
  • 마침내 + noun + 이/가 + verb: to emphasize the final result (e.g., 마침내 결과가 발표되다 - finally the results are announced)

Register and Nuance

'마침내' is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It carries a positive or neutral tone, often highlighting a successful or awaited outcome.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '마침내' with '결국', which also means 'in the end'. '마침내' often stresses the culmination after effort or waiting, while '결국' can imply inevitability or an outcome regardless of effort. Use '마침내' when you want to emphasize the final achievement or resolution.

Example Sentences

마침내 그는 오랜 노력 끝에 성공했다.

Machimnae geuneun oraen noryeok kkeute seonggonghaetda.

Finally, he succeeded after a long effort.

마침내 비가 그치고 해가 떴다.

Machimnae biga geuchigo haega tteotda.

At last, the rain stopped and the sun came out.

마침내 시험 결과가 발표되었다.

Machimnae siheom gyeolgwa ga balpyodoeeotda.

Finally, the exam results were announced.