やっと・とうとう
Describe an outcome that finally happens
You'll be able to use やっと for a long-awaited result, often involving effort or relief, and とうとう for an eventual outcome that finally comes about.
家族はやっとキャンプ場に着きました。
kazoku wa yatto kyanpujou ni tsukimashita.
What do you think this sentence means?
The family finally reached the campsite.
Reach an outcome after a long process
やっと often conveys relief after difficulty or waiting. とうとう emphasizes that the eventual outcome has finally arrived, whether welcome or unwelcome.
やっと宿題が終わりました。
yatto shukudai ga owarimashita.
I finally finished my homework.
Form and use やっと・とうとう
Both can occur with a positive result. とうとう also fits an unwanted final outcome, while やっと usually stresses achieving something awaited or managing to do it.
やっと宿題が終わりました。
yatto shukudai ga owarimashita.
I finally finished my homework.
古い時計がとうとう壊れました。
furui tokei ga toutou kowaremashita.
The old clock finally broke.
駅まで走って、やっと電車に間に合いました。
eki made hashitte, yatto densha ni maniaimashita.
I ran to the station and only just made the train.
一時間待って、やっとバスが来ました。
ichijikan matte, yatto basu ga kimashita.
I waited an hour, and the bus finally came.
やっと宿題が終わった。これで寝られる。
yatto shukudai ga owatta. kore de nerareru.
I've finally finished my homework. Now I can go to sleep.
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