Translation and Meaning of: 結局 - kekyoku

The Japanese word 結局[けっきょく] is one of those that frequently appears in everyday conversations, animes, and even in formal texts. If you are studying Japanese, you may have already come across it, but do you understand all its nuances? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this expression, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or to avoid pitfalls in translation, understanding 結局 is essential.

Meaning and translation of 結局

In the end, it can be translated into Portuguese as "no final", "afinal" or "em conclusão". It is used to indicate the result of a situation after considering all the involved factors. For example, if someone spends hours deciding between two options and ultimately chooses one, they might say: 結局、これを選んだ (In the end, I chose this).

It is worth noting that 結局 carries a slightly conclusive tone, often suggesting that the outcome could have been different. It is not just a temporal marker, but also a word that brings reflection on the process that led to that result. This nuance is important to avoid literal translations that sound strange in English.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 結局 is formed by two kanji: 結 (ketsu), which means "to tie" or "to connect," and 局 (kyoku), which can be translated as "situation" or "office." Together, they create the idea of "tying a situation," that is, reaching a conclusion after a process. This composition helps to understand why the word has such a definitive meaning.

Interestingly, 局 also appears in words like 郵便局 (yūbinkyoku, post office) and 放送局 (hōsōkyoku, TV station), always related to a place where something is resolved or transmitted. This kanji reinforces the idea that 結局 is not just about time, but about a point of arrival after deliberation.

How to use 結局 in everyday life

In spoken Japanese, 結局 is often used to express frustration or resignation. For example, if someone tries to fix something on their own but ends up calling a professional, they might say: 結局、業者に頼んだ (In the end, I called a professional). Here, the word conveys the idea that, despite the efforts, the outcome was different from what was expected.

In more neutral contexts, 結局 also appears in discussions to summarize arguments. If two people debate a topic for a while, one of them might start their conclusion with 結局、そういうことだ (In the end, that's it). In this case, the word functions as a discourse organizer, indicating that the conversation is reaching its final point.

Tips to memorize 結局

An effective way to 結局 is to associate it with situations where you change your mind or come to a conclusion after thinking for a while. For example, if you planned to go out but decided against it because of the rain, you might think: 結局、家にいる (In the end, I stayed home). Creating these personal connections helps to internalize the vocabulary.

Another tip is to pay attention to 結局 when it appears in animes or dramas. Often, characters use this word in decisive or comedic moments, which makes it easier to memorize through emotional context. Repeating these scenes aloud also reinforces pronunciation and proper use.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 最終的に (Saishuutekini) - Finally, ultimately.
• 最後に (Saigo ni) - Finally, in the end.
• 最後結局 (Saigo kekkyoku) - Ultimately, in the end.
• 最終的には (Saishuutekini wa) - After all, ultimately.
• 最後の結果として (Saigo no kekka to shite) - As a final result.
• 最後の結論として (Saigo no ketsuron to shite) - As a final conclusion.
• 最後に言えば (Saigo ni ieba) - If I say at the end.
• 最終的に言うと (Saishuutekini iu to) - If I speak ultimately.
• 最後になって (Saigo ni natte) - In the end, finally.
• 最後になると (Saigo ni naru to) - When you reach the end.
• 最後になると思われる (Saigo ni naru to omowareru) - It seems that it will come to an end.
• 最後になると思います (Saigo ni naru to omoimasu) - I believe it will reach the end.
• 最後になると考えられる (Saigo ni naru to kangaeraru) - It is considered that it will reach the end.
• 最後になると考えます (Saigo ni naru to kangaemasu) - I think it will reach the end.
• 最後になるということが (Saigo ni naru to iu koto ga) - The fact that it will come to an end.
• 最後になるということです (Saigo ni naru to iu koto desu) - This means that it will come to an end.
• 最後になるということに (Saigo ni naru to iu koto ni) - As for the fact that it will come to an end.
• 最後になるということになる (Saigo ni naru to iu koto ni naru) - This means that it will come to an end.