总算 (zǒngsuàn)

In Chinese, "总算" means "finally", "at last", or "after all". It is used to express that something has happened after a long wait, effort, or difficulty. Below are detailed examples of how to use "总算".

1. Expressing Completion After Difficulty or Delay

"总算" is used to indicate that something has finally happened, especially after overcoming difficulties or a long wait. For example:

• 经过几个小时的努力，我们总算完成了任务。 (Jīngguò jǐ gè xiǎoshí de nǔlì, wǒmen zǒngsuàn wánchéng le rènwù.) — After several hours of effort, we finally completed the task.
• 他总算找到了丢失的钥匙。 (Tā zǒngsuàn zhǎodào le diūshī de yàoshi.) — He finally found the lost key.

2. Signifying a Sense of Relief or Satisfaction

"总算" can also convey a sense of relief or satisfaction that something has happened. For example:

• 天气总算变好了。 (Tiānqì zǒngsuàn biàn hǎo le.) — The weather has finally improved.
• 我们总算买到了票。 (Wǒmen zǒngsuàn mǎi dào le piào.) — We finally got the tickets.

3. Implying Effort or Difficulty

"总算" often implies that considerable effort or difficulty was involved before reaching the outcome. For example:

• 他总算通过了考试。 (Tā zǒngsuàn tōngguò le kǎoshì.) — He finally passed the exam (implying it was difficult for him).
• 我总算说服了他。 (Wǒ zǒngsuàn shuōfú le tā.) — I finally convinced him (implying it took effort).