Grammar › Outcome & Result
末に(すえに) — “in the end, after (a long process)”
Marks a conclusion reached after a lengthy, often difficult process — neutral in tone
Past plain verb + 末に, or noun + の + 末に, marks a result that came after a long or difficult process — much like あげく but without the built-in negative judgment. 末に can lead to either a good or bad outcome; it just emphasizes that a lot went into reaching it.
How to form it
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Past plain + 末に | 長い議論の末に、結論が出た — After a long discussion, a conclusion was reached |
| Noun + の + 末に | 苦労の末に、成功をつかんだ — After much hardship, success was achieved |
Example sentences
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 何年もの研究の末に、新しい薬が完成した。 | なんねんものけんきゅうのすえに、あたらしいくすりがかんせいした。 nannenmonokenkyuunosueni、atarashiikusurigakanseishita。 | After years of research, a new medicine was completed. |
| 悩んだ末に、留学することに決めた。 | なやんだすえに、りゅうがくすることにきめた。 nayandasueni、ryuugakusurukotonikimeta。 | After much thought, I decided to study abroad. |
| 激しい戦いの末に、ようやく勝利した。 | はげしいたたかいのすえに、ようやくしょうりした。 hageshiitatakainosueni、youyakushourishita。 | After a fierce battle, victory was finally achieved. |
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Watch out
Unlike あげく, 末に doesn't imply the outcome is disappointing — 末に can end in triumph as easily as failure, so don't assume a negative twist just because you see this pattern.