Discussion of 终于/終於

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The difference between 最后 and 终于:
终于 is only an adverb, while 最后 can be a noun and an adverb. This means, 最后 can be used to modify another noun, and 终于 cannot. Examples:
最后一刻 (last moment) ，最后的挣扎 (last struggle)，最后的努力(final push, final effort)

lisaC

总算 vs 终于
总算 indicates it's a result that you have wanted or have been hoping for. It carries a positive tone.
终于 indicates a result that is either positive or neutral. For example, in this sentence below, it's plainly stating the fact. We cannot use 总算 here:
E.g. 他多次想移民美国，但终于没能成功。 -/- [phr] He had wanted to move to the US, but in the end wasn't able to succeed.

lisaC

Can 终于 be used to refer to something that has been achieved? (zhōngyú)

个学生

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Is 终于 ever used to indicate a feeling of relief? (zhōngyú)

个学生

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Yes, 终于 (zhōngyú) is used to indicate a feeling of relief. It is used to express that something has been achieved after a long wait or struggle. For example, someone might say "我们终于完成了这个项目" (Wǒmen zhōngyú wánchéng le zhège xiàngmù) which translates to "We have finally completed this project".

当老师

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How is 终于 typically used in a sentence? (zhōngyú)

个学生

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到底 versus 终于:

When it means "at last", 到底终于 are largely interchangeable:
E.g. 我想了好久，到底 (or 终于) 想通了。I thought it over for a long time and finally figured it out.

And 到底 has other meanings that 终于 does not:
1. 到底 can be an adverb meaning "after all", it means "in spite of any indications or expectations to the contrary".
E.g. 到底还是老师比我们知道的多啊。After all, the teacher really knows more than us.
2. 到底 can be an adverb meaning "on earth". When it's used in this way, it's used in questions only.
E.g. 你到底在干什么？ r/s [phr] What on earth are you doing?
3. 到底 can be a verb meaning "do something to the end"
E.g. 我们一定要和敌人斗争到底。We must struggle with the enemy to the end.

lisaC

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