Finally, after a long period of waiting or effort, it has happened.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when something expected happens after a long wait.
- Expresses a sense of relief or achievement after difficulty.
- Commonly used with verbs of completion or success.
一般的な文脈
日常生活でよく使われます。例えば、渋滞が終わった時、試験に合格した時、長年の夢が叶った時など、ポジティブな結果に対して使います。また、待ちわびた電車が来た時のような、少しネガティブな状況からの解放にも使われます。
類語との比較
「ようやく」は「やっと」とほぼ同じ意味ですが、やや硬い表現で、書き言葉やフォーマルな場面で好まれます。「ついに」は、長い期間の末に結果が出たという「時」の経過を強調します。一方、「やっと」は苦労や努力の末という「感情的な重み」がより強く感じられる言葉です。
Examples
やっと春が来た。
everydaySpring has finally arrived.
ようやくプロジェクトが完了しました。
formalThe project has finally been completed.
やっと着いたよ！
informalWe finally arrived!
長年の研究の成果がやっと認められた。
academicThe results of years of research were finally recognized.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
やっとのことで
with great difficulty
やっとの思いで
with a sense of relief
やっとこさ
finally (colloquial)
Often Confused With
Yoyaku is more formal and can be used in writing or business contexts where 'yatto' might sound too casual.
Tsuini focuses on the finality of a long process, often used for big events or long-awaited conclusions.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'yatto' in casual conversations with friends and family. It expresses personal relief and is not suitable for formal business documents. If you want to sound more professional, substitute it with 'yoyaku'.
Common Mistakes
Don't use 'yatto' when referring to something that happened quickly. It must imply a duration of time or struggle. Also, avoid using it in negative sentences like 'yatto ikanai', as it contradicts the meaning of achievement.
Tips
Focus on the feeling of relief
Always remember that 'yatto' carries a personal emotion of relief. It shows that the speaker has been waiting or struggling for a while.
Avoid in very formal writing
While it is perfect for conversation, use 'yoyaku' in formal reports or professional emails to sound more polite.
The Japanese sense of patience
The word reflects the cultural value placed on patience (gaman) before achieving a goal. Using it shows you understand the effort involved.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'yaru' (to do) or archaic forms indicating a state of being reached after effort. It has evolved to specifically mark the end of a waiting period.
Cultural Context
In Japanese society, showing patience is a virtue. Using 'yatto' acknowledges the hardship endured, which is often appreciated in social interactions as a sign of resilience.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Yatto-yatto' race where you are exhausted but finally cross the finish line. The word sounds like a sigh of relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「やっと」は苦労や待ったという感情が強調されます。「ついに」は、長い時間が経過して最終的な結果が出たという事実に焦点が当たります。
はい、使えます。例えば「やっと終わった（面倒な仕事が）」のように、解放感を感じる場面であればネガティブな内容でも使用可能です。
「やっと」は少しカジュアルな響きがあるため、上司や顧客に対しては「ようやく」や「ついに」を使う方が無難です。
「やっと〜ない」という形はあまり一般的ではありません。実現したことを強調するため、肯定文で使われることがほとんどです。
Test Yourself
渋滞が解消して、___ 車が動き出した。
長い待ち時間の末に動き出したので「やっと」が適切です。
「やっと試験に合格した」はどんな気持ちですか？
苦労した末の目標達成に対する安堵感を表します。
（できた / やっと / 宿題 / が / 終わる）
副詞は動詞の前に置くのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Finally, after a long period of waiting or effort, it has happened.
- Used when something expected happens after a long wait.
- Expresses a sense of relief or achievement after difficulty.
- Commonly used with verbs of completion or success.
Focus on the feeling of relief
Always remember that 'yatto' carries a personal emotion of relief. It shows that the speaker has been waiting or struggling for a while.
Avoid in very formal writing
While it is perfect for conversation, use 'yoyaku' in formal reports or professional emails to sound more polite.
The Japanese sense of patience
The word reflects the cultural value placed on patience (gaman) before achieving a goal. Using it shows you understand the effort involved.
Examples
4 of 4やっと春が来た。
Spring has finally arrived.
ようやくプロジェクトが完了しました。
The project has finally been completed.
やっと着いたよ！
We finally arrived!
長年の研究の成果がやっと認められた。
The results of years of research were finally recognized.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
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～後
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目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
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~のに
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