Mandarin Grammar Point
最后 (zuìhòu) - At last, finally

最后 (zuìhòu) - At last, finally

Short explanation:

Used to indicate the final result or outcome of something.

Formation:

最后 + Sentence

Examples:

经过全班的努力,我们最后赢得了比赛。
Jīngguò quánbān de nǔlì, wǒmen zuìhòu yíngdéle bǐsài.
After the efforts of the whole class, we finally won the competition.
最后他拿出了他的真实面貌,而那真的让我感到惊讶。
Zuìhòu tā náchūle tā de zhēnshí miànmào, ér nà zhēn de ràng wǒ gǎndào jīngyà.
Finally, he showed his true colors, and that really surprised me.
他最后决定跟我一起去看电影。
Tā zuìhòu juédìng gēn wǒ yīqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng.
He finally decided to go to the movies with me.
最后,我会说,谢谢你们的支持和热情。
Zuìhòu, wǒ huì shuō, xièxiè nǐmen de zhīchí hé rèqíng.
Finally, I would say, thank you for your support and enthusiasm.

Long explanation:

The Mandarin Chinese phrase '最后 (zuìhòu)' is often used to denote the final or ultimate result, conclusion, or end of a particular event, action, or situation. This phrase is similar to 'at last' or 'finally' in English, and gives a sense of culmination or closure.

Detailed Grammar notes:

%E6%9C%80%E5%90%8E%20(zu%C3%ACh%C3%B2u)%20-%20At%20last%2C%20finally

最后 (zuìhòu) - At last, finally

Processing keyword: 最后 (zuìhòu) - At last, finally

Mandarin Grammar Point: 最后 (zuìhòu) - At last, finally

最后 (zuìhòu) - At last, finally

Introduction

The Chinese phrase 最后 (zuìhòu) means "at last" or "finally." It's used to indicate the conclusion of a process or sequence of events. This phrase helps in expressing a final thought or culmination after a series of steps or events.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

最 (zuì) means "most" or "highest," and 后 (hòu) means "after." Together, 最后 (zuìhòu) literally translates to "most after," which conveys the idea of something happening last or finally. Structure:

  • 最后 (zuìhòu) is often used at the beginning or end of a sentence to signify the ultimate conclusion.
  • It can be used with verbs, noun phrases, or in complex sentences to emphasize that something has been reached after a process.

Meaning and Formation Diagram

  • Usage: Used primarily to indicate the conclusion or final point in a narrative or sequence of actions
  • Structure: 最后 (zuìhòu) + sentence or action
         +-----------------------+
         |     Finally/At Last   | 
         +-----------------------+
                   |
     +--------------------------+
     |          Completive      |
     +--------------------------+

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

  • 终于 (zhōngyú): Means "finally" or "at last," but it focuses more on the realization of a long-awaited expectation, emphasizing relief or fulfillment.
  • 最后 (zuìhòu) is more neutral, simply marking the final point in a sequence. Example Comparisons:
  • 最后 (zuìhòu): "我最后到达了。" (Wǒ zuìhòu dàodále.) - "I finally arrived."
  • 终于 (zhōngyú): "我终于见到了她。" (Wǒ zhōngyú jiàn dào le tā.) - "I finally met her."

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal context:
    • 最后,会议的决定是推迟发布。
      (Zuìhòu, huìyì de juédìng shì tuīchí fābù.)
      "Finally, the decision of the meeting is to postpone the release."
  2. Informal context:
    • 我最后找到了我的手机!
      (Wǒ zuìhòu zhǎodào le wǒ de shǒujī!)
      "I finally found my phone!"
  3. Written context:
    • 经过长时间的努力,最后,他赢得了比赛。
      (Jīngguò cháng shíjiān de nǔlì, zuìhòu, tā yíngdé le bǐsài.)
      "After a long time of effort, he finally won the competition."
  4. Spoken context:
    • 我们走了很久,最后才到达山顶。
      (Wǒmen zǒule hěnjiǔ, zuìhòu cái dào dá shāndǐng.)
      "We walked for a long time and finally reached the top of the mountain."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Chinese culture, expressions of finality can carry emotional weight. Using 最后 (zuìhòu) can evoke a sense of relief and closure, which is often appreciated in storytelling or discussions.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • "最后一刻" (zuìhòu yī kè): "At the last moment."
  • "最后期限" (zuìhòu qīxiàn): "Final deadline."

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Confusing 最后 (zuìhòu) with 终于 (zhōngyú) from a semantic perspective; remember that 最后 is about sequence while 终于 is about expectation.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Connect 最后 (zuìhòu) with "final" to recall its meaning as linked to outcomes or conclusions.
  • Use it in everyday conversation to reinforce its practical usage.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 最后 (zuìhòu) indicates finality or conclusion in sentences.
  • It's differentiated from similar terms like 终于 (zhōngyú) in its focus on sequence rather than expectation.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does 最后 (zuìhòu) mean in English?
  2. How is 最后 (zuìhòu) different from 终于 (zhōngyú)?
  3. Provide a sentence using 最后 (zuìhòu) in a formal context. This structured analysis should help students understand, utilize, and appreciate the phrase 最后 (zuìhòu) in Mandarin.
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