結局

kekkyoku

JLPT N3 #62 of 182 in N3

After all; eventually; in the end

Expresses that something turns out a certain way after considering everything or after a process.

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How to form it

Used as a standalone adverb, often at the beginning of a sentence or clause. No conjugation needed.

What it means

結局 is an adverb that means 'after all', 'eventually', or 'in the end'. It emphasizes the final result after some deliberation, confusion, or a series of events. You can use it when you want to say that despite various possibilities or efforts, the outcome is what it is. It often carries a nuance of resignation or realization.

You can place 結局 at the start of a sentence, or before the verb, similar to other adverbs. In conversation, it is very common to use it when giving a conclusion after a long explanation or when you change your mind after considering other options.

Example sentences

いろいろ考えたけど、結局行かないことにした。

Iroiro kangaeta kedo, kekkyoku ikanai koto ni shita.

I thought about it a lot, but in the end I decided not to go.

雨が降ると思ったが、結局晴れた。

Ame ga furu to omotta ga, kekkyoku hareta.

I thought it would rain, but it turned out sunny after all.

彼は何度も失敗したが、結局成功した。

Kare wa nando mo shippai shita ga, kekkyoku seikou shita.

He failed many times, but he succeeded in the end.

Don’t confuse it with

とうとう (tou tou)

結局 focuses on the final outcome after considering alternatives, while とうとう emphasizes that something happened after a long time or after much waiting. 結局 can also be used in a more logical conclusion ('after all'), whereas とうとう is more about time passing.

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話

When to use it

Neutral and used in both spoken and written Japanese, though extremely common in casual conversation.

Next in the N3 path

63

合うdo something together

64

がちtend to; tendency to; frequently; often~

65

確かにsurely, certainly

66

とすればin the case of~; assuming~; if A then B

See the whole Grammar Path →

Questions

What does 結局 mean?

After all; eventually; in the end. Expresses that something turns out a certain way after considering everything or after a process.

How do you form 結局?

Used as a standalone adverb, often at the beginning of a sentence or clause. No conjugation needed.

Example of 結局 in a sentence

いろいろ考えたけど、結局行かないことにした。 — I thought about it a lot, but in the end I decided not to go.

とうとう (tou tou) — what is the difference?

結局 focuses on the final outcome after considering alternatives, while とうとう emphasizes that something happened after a long time or after much waiting. 結局 can also be used in a more logical conclusion ('after all'), whereas とうとう is more about time passing.

What JLPT level is 結局?

JLPT N3 (intermediate), number 62 of 182 in Nihoner's learning order for N3.