At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word '结语' (jiéyǔ) yourself, but you might see it. Think of it as 'The End Words.' In very simple terms, it's what you say when you are finished talking or writing. While A1 students usually just say '谢谢' (Xièxiè - Thank you) or '再见' (Zàijiàn - Goodbye), knowing that formal things have a special word for the 'end' helps you understand the structure of Chinese. You can imagine a teacher saying '最后' (Zuìhòu - Finally) to start their final sentence. '结语' is the name for that final sentence. It's like the 'Goodbye' part of a formal speech. Just remember: 结 (jié) means 'to finish' or 'to tie up,' and 语 (yǔ) means 'words.' So, 'finish-words.'
For A2 learners, '结语' (jiéyǔ) is a useful word to recognize when reading short articles or listening to announcements. You are starting to learn how to organize your thoughts, and '结语' is the formal name for the 'Conclusion' part of a paragraph. At this level, you should know that it is a noun. You might see a question in a reading test like: '这段话的结语是什么?' (What are the concluding remarks of this passage?). You don't need to use it in daily life, but if you are writing a small speech for class, using '结语' as a title for your last slide makes you look very smart! It's more formal than just saying '最后的话' (last words).
At the B1 level, '结语' (jiéyǔ) becomes an important part of your vocabulary. You are now expected to understand and produce more structured Chinese. When you write an essay, you need a '结语' to wrap up your points. You should know common patterns like '以...作为结语' (to use... as a conclusion). You should also be able to distinguish '结语' from '总结' (summary). A summary (总结) repeats what you said; a conclusion (结语) gives your final thought or a recommendation. In a business meeting or a presentation, you might hear someone say '我的结语很简短' (My concluding remarks are very brief). This is the level where you start using it to signpost your communication.
At B2, you should use '结语' (jiéyǔ) naturally in formal writing and presentations. You are expected to understand its nuances—how it differs from '结束语' or '后记.' You should be able to describe the quality of a conclusion using sophisticated adjectives, such as '精辟的结语' (an incisive conclusion) or '发人深省的结语' (a thought-provoking conclusion). You will encounter this word frequently in news reports and academic texts. You should also be comfortable with the '结' character's other meanings, like '结果' (result) or '结合' (combine), and see how '结语' fits into that word family as the 'binding words' of a discourse. Your writing should now include a clearly defined 结语 section.
For C1 learners, '结语' (jiéyǔ) is a tool for rhetorical precision. You should be able to analyze how a '结语' functions within a larger text—does it provide a call to action, a philosophical reflection, or a synthesis of complex ideas? You will see this word in high-level literature and legal documents. At this stage, you should also be familiar with more classical or specialized synonyms like '跋' (postface) or '尾声' (coda) and know exactly when to use '结语' instead. Your own '结语' in essays should be stylistically consistent with the rest of your high-register Chinese. You might also encounter the term in the context of '结语性评价' (concluding evaluation) in professional assessments.
At the C2 level, '结语' (jiéyǔ) is a concept you can discuss philosophically. You understand that in Chinese culture, the '结语' is not just a structural necessity but an artistic opportunity to 'echo the beginning' (首尾呼应). You can use the term in academic critiques to discuss the effectiveness of an author's final argument. You are sensitive to the subtle shifts in register between '结语,' '结束语,' and '综述.' Whether you are writing a dissertation in Chinese or delivering a keynote speech, your '结语' should demonstrate a mastery of tone, using idiomatic expressions or even classical allusions to leave a profound impact on the audience. You understand the historical weight of '结' as a concept of completion and unity.

结语 in 30 Seconds

  • 结语 is a formal noun meaning 'concluding remarks' or 'epilogue.'
  • It is used in speeches, books, and academic papers to provide a final thought.
  • Unlike '总结' (summary), it focuses on the formal act of closing a discourse.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like '发表' (deliver) or '作为' (as).

The Chinese term 结语 (jiéyǔ) is a formal noun that translates to "concluding remarks," "epilogue," or "final statement." It is composed of two characters: 结 (jié), meaning to tie, knit, or conclude, and 语 (yǔ), meaning language or words. Together, they represent the 'knot' that ties up the loose ends of a discourse or written work. This word is primarily used in structured environments such as academic writing, formal speeches, professional reports, and literary works. Unlike the more common word 总结 (zǒngjié), which focuses on summarizing the main points of a process or event, 结语 specifically refers to the actual words or text used to close a presentation or document. It carries a sense of finality and often includes a look toward the future, a final reflection, or a parting thought that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Structural Role
In a formal essay or thesis, the 结语 is the final section where the author synthesizes findings and offers a closing perspective. It is not just a summary but a rhetorical closing.

他在演讲的结语中强调了合作的重要性。 (In the concluding remarks of his speech, he emphasized the importance of cooperation.)

In professional settings, a chairperson might ask for "结语" from participants to signal the end of a meeting. In literature, it refers to the epilogue or the final words of a narrator. The usage is high-register, meaning you wouldn't typically use it in a casual conversation with friends about a movie ending (where you'd use 结局 jiéjú), but you would definitely see it as a heading in a textbook or a formal report. Understanding 结语 is crucial for B1 learners who are transitioning from basic communication to understanding the formal structure of Chinese discourse. It signifies a mastery of how topics are brought to an orderly and professional close.

Academic Context
Often used as a header in research papers, appearing after the main body and before the bibliography.

这篇论文的结语部分写得非常深刻。 (The conclusion section of this paper is written very profoundly.)

Furthermore, 结语 can be modified by various adjectives to describe the tone of the ending. A "简短的结语" (brief conclusion) is common in fast-paced meetings, while a "精彩的结语" (brilliant conclusion) is the goal of every orator. It is a noun, not a verb, which is a common point of confusion for learners who try to use it to mean "to conclude." You do not "结语" a speech; you "发表结语" (deliver concluding remarks) or the speech "以...作为结语" (ends with... as a conclusion).

Register
Formal, written, or prepared speech. Not suitable for casual daily chat.

最后,我用一句话作为我的结语。 (Finally, I will use one sentence as my concluding remark.)

Using 结语 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It often appears as the object of a verb like 写 (write), 发表 (deliver/publish), or 作为 (act as). It can also function as the subject of a sentence when describing the nature of the conclusion itself. Because it is a formal term, the surrounding vocabulary should ideally match its register. For instance, instead of saying "好的结语" (good conclusion), one might say "精辟的结语" (incisive conclusion) in a formal critique.

Verb + 结语
Common pairings include: 撰写结语 (to compose concluding remarks), 宣读结语 (to read out the conclusion), 缺少结语 (to lack a conclusion).

作者在书的最后写了一段感人的结语。 (The author wrote a touching epilogue at the end of the book.)

Another frequent pattern is using 结语 within a prepositional phrase to indicate how something ends. The structure "以...为结语" (taking... as the conclusion) is a sophisticated way to describe the final element of a performance or text. This pattern is very common in literary analysis and high-level journalism. It allows the writer to highlight a specific quote, action, or sentiment that serves as the final note of the piece.

Noun Phrases
You will often see '结语' modified by nouns to specify the context: 论文结语 (thesis conclusion), 会议结语 (meeting closing remarks), 报告结语 (report conclusion).

这首诗以对和平的呼唤作为结语。 (This poem ends with a call for peace as its concluding statement.)

In a classroom or workshop, a teacher might say, "现在请大家写下你们的结语" (Now please write down your concluding remarks). This directs students to synthesize their learning. It is important to note that 结语 is distinct from 结束语 (jiéshùyǔ), although they are often used interchangeably. 结束语 is slightly more common for the specific formulas used to end a speech (like "Thank you for listening"), whereas 结语 covers the broader content of the closing section.

Descriptive Usage
Adjectives like 冗长 (tedious/long), 简练 (concise), or 沉重 (heavy/solemn) are often used to describe a 结语.

会议的结语非常简短,只用了三分钟。 (The concluding remarks of the meeting were very brief, taking only three minutes.)

Finally, when reading Chinese academic papers, you will notice that the 结语 section is where the researcher admits limitations and suggests future directions. Mastering the use of this word in your own writing will significantly elevate the professionalism of your Chinese output. It shows you understand the formal etiquette of Chinese composition.

You will encounter 结语 in specific, structured environments. One of the most common places is in the world of academia and publishing. If you pick up a Chinese non-fiction book or a textbook, look at the table of contents; the very last entry is often titled 结语 or 后记 (hòujì - postscript). In this context, it serves as the author's final address to the reader, summarizing the journey and offering parting thoughts. It is a signal to the reader that the formal argument has ended and the reflective conclusion has begun.

News & Media
News anchors or documentary narrators often use the word to signal the final segment of a deep-dive report. They might say, '在节目的最后,让我们听听专家的结语' (At the end of the program, let's hear the expert's concluding remarks).

纪录片的结语发人深省。 (The documentary's concluding remarks were thought-provoking.)

Another frequent setting is formal conferences and ceremonies. Whether it's a corporate annual meeting, a diplomatic summit, or a graduation ceremony, the final speech is often referred to as the 结语. When the host says, "下面有请某某先生致结语" (Next, we invite Mr. X to deliver the concluding remarks), it indicates a shift from the main proceedings to the closing formalities. This is a high-stakes moment where the speaker tries to encapsulate the spirit of the entire event in a few powerful sentences.

Professional Reports
In business, a project post-mortem or an annual report will have a 结语 section that outlines the successes and the path forward.

这份年度报告的结语展望了公司未来的十年。 (The concluding remarks of this annual report look forward to the company's next ten years.)

In legal and judicial contexts, a lawyer's closing argument or a judge's final summary can also be described using this term. It represents the final opportunity to influence the outcome before a decision is reached. In this environment, the 结语 is characterized by its precision and persuasive power. Even in high-end lifestyle magazines, an editor's note at the end of an issue might be titled 结语, providing a thematic wrap-up of the month's content. While you won't hear it at the grocery store or in a casual text message between friends, it is an essential word for navigating the professional and intellectual life of a Chinese speaker.

Legal/Formal
The term is used to describe the final, binding summary of a formal deliberation.

法官在结语中重申了法律的公正性。 (In the concluding remarks, the judge reaffirmed the fairness of the law.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 结语 is treating it as a verb. In English, we can say "I would like to conclude by saying..." where "conclude" is an action. In Chinese, 结语 is strictly a noun. You cannot say "我结语了我的文章" (I concluded my article). Instead, you must use a verb-noun construction like "我为我的文章写了结语" (I wrote a conclusion for my article) or use the verb 总结 (zǒngjié) or 结束 (jiéshù).

Mistake 1: Part of Speech
Incorrect: 让我们结语今天的会议。 (Let's conclude today's meeting.)
Correct: 让我们为今天的会议做个结语。 (Let's make a concluding remark for today's meeting.)

错误用法:他结语得很好。 (He concluded well - Grammatically incorrect in Chinese.)

Another common mistake is confusing 结语 with 总结 (zǒngjié). While they are related, they have different focuses. 总结 is about summarizing content—reiterating the points made. 结语 is about the formal closing of the communication. A 总结 can be long and detailed, whereas a 结语 is often more punchy and focused on the final message or future implications. Using 结语 when you mean a detailed summary of data can sound slightly off in a technical context.

Mistake 2: Contextual Misuse
Using '结语' for a casual goodbye. If you're leaving a party, don't say '这是我的结语' (This is my concluding remark). That sounds like you're giving a formal speech at your own exit. Just say '我先走了' or '再见'.

正确用法:他在报告的最后加了一段结语。 (Correct: He added a concluding section at the end of the report.)

Furthermore, learners often confuse 结语 with 结局 (jiéjú). 结局 refers to the outcome or the ending of a story or situation (e.g., the ending of a movie, the result of a war). 结语 is specifically about language—the words used to end something. If you say "这个电影的结语很悲伤," you are saying the final spoken words were sad. If you mean the story ended sadly, you must use 结局.

Mistake 3: Word Confusion
结语 (Jiéyǔ) = Words at the end.
结局 (Jiéjú) = The way a story ends/The result.

不要混淆:故事的结局 vs 演讲的结语

Lastly, remember that 结语 is quite formal. Overusing it in semi-formal emails or casual blog posts can make you sound overly stiff or academic. In those cases, 最后的话 (final words) or simply 最后 (finally) might be more appropriate. Pay attention to the register of your audience before choosing this word.

To truly master 结语, you must be able to distinguish it from its many synonyms. Each word has a specific nuance and context where it shines. The most common alternative is 总结 (zǒngjié). While 结语 is the 'closing words,' 总结 is the 'summary.' You can have a 总结 in the middle of a speech, but a 结语 only comes at the very end.

结语 vs. 总结
结语: Focuses on the formal ending and final message. (Noun only)
总结: Focuses on reviewing and condensing information. (Noun and Verb)

Another close relative is 结束语 (jiéshùyǔ). This is perhaps the closest synonym. The difference is subtle: 结束语 often refers to the standardized phrases used to end something (like "Thank you for your time"), whereas 结语 implies a more substantive concluding thought or section. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 结语 is slightly more formal and academic.

结语 vs. 结束语
结语: Substantive conclusion/epilogue.
结束语: Closing remarks/Standardized sign-off phrases.

他的演讲以一段优美的诗句作为结语。 (His speech used a beautiful verse as the concluding remark.)

In literature, you might see 后记 (hòujì) or 跋 (bá). 后记 is a postscript or afterword, usually containing the author's personal reflections on the writing process. is a traditional term for a colophon or a postface written at the end of a book or a scroll. These are much more specific than 结语 and are limited to the world of books and art.

Literary Terms
后记: Postscript/Afterword.
跋: Traditional postface (very formal/archaic).
尾声 (wěishēng): Epilogue/Coda (often used in music or drama).

For general endings, use 结尾 (jiéwěi). This is the most versatile word for "end." You can talk about the 结尾 of a movie, a song, or a day. 结语 is specifically for *speech* or *text*. If you are writing a story, the 结尾 is how the plot resolves; the 结语 is the final paragraph where you might address the reader directly.

这篇文章的结尾很有趣,但结语却很严肃。 (The ending of the article is interesting, but the concluding remarks are very serious.)

Examples by Level

1

这是我的结语:谢谢大家。

This is my concluding remark: Thank you everyone.

结语 is used here as a noun followed by a colon.

2

书的最后是结语。

The end of the book is the concluding remarks.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

3

老师说:“请看结语。”

The teacher said: "Please look at the concluding remarks."

Used as the object of the verb 看 (look).

4

结语很短。

The concluding remarks are very short.

Adjective predicate structure.

5

我喜欢这个结语。

I like these concluding remarks.

Direct object of the verb 喜欢.

6

演讲的结语是什么?

What are the concluding remarks of the speech?

Possessive structure using 的.

7

这里没有结语。

There are no concluding remarks here.

Negative existential sentence with 没有.

8

写一句结语吧。

Write a concluding sentence.

Imperative sentence with the particle 吧.

1

他在会议最后说了几句结语。

He said a few concluding remarks at the end of the meeting.

几句 (a few sentences) acts as a measure word phrase for 结语.

2

这篇作文需要一个好的结语。

This essay needs a good conclusion.

Verb 需要 + object 结语.

3

结语部分在第三页。

The concluding remarks section is on page three.

结语 is used as an attributive modifying 部分 (section).

4

请大家听我的结语。

Everyone, please listen to my concluding remarks.

Possessive pronoun + 结语.

5

他的结语很有趣。

His concluding remarks were very interesting.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

6

不要忘记写结语。

Don't forget to write the concluding remarks.

Negative imperative with 不要.

7

我还在想我的结语。

I am still thinking about my concluding remarks.

Continuous aspect with 还在.

8

这篇文章的结语很简单。

The concluding remarks of this article are very simple.

Possessive phrase as subject.

1

作者以一个感人的故事作为结语。

The author used a touching story as the concluding remarks.

以...作为... (To use... as...) structure.

2

在报告的结语中,他提到了未来的计划。

In the concluding remarks of the report, he mentioned future plans.

Prepositional phrase '在...中' (In...).

3

虽然内容很好,但结语有点草率。

Although the content is good, the concluding remarks are a bit hasty.

Concessive structure '虽然...但是...'.

4

请为你的研究写一段结语。

Please write a concluding section for your research.

Preposition 为 (for) indicating purpose.

5

这篇论文的结语总结了所有发现。

The conclusion of this paper summarizes all findings.

结语 as the subject performing the action 总结.

6

我将用这段话作为今天讲座的结语。

I will use this passage as the concluding remarks for today's lecture.

Future intent with 将.

7

结语的重要性不容忽视。

The importance of concluding remarks cannot be ignored.

Noun phrase as subject; formal four-character idiom '不容忽视'.

8

他的结语给观众留下了深刻印象。

His concluding remarks left a deep impression on the audience.

給...留下印象 (To leave an impression on...).

1

这篇文章的结语与开头形成了完美的呼应。

The concluding remarks of this article form a perfect echo with the beginning.

与...形成呼应 (To form an echo/correspondence with...).

2

他在结语中精辟地概括了本次论坛的核心观点。

In his concluding remarks, he incisively summarized the core views of this forum.

Adverb 精辟地 (incisively) modifying the verb 概括.

3

如果缺少了结语,整本书会显得不完整。

If the concluding remarks were missing, the whole book would seem incomplete.

Conditional '如果...会...'.

4

撰写结语时,应注意语气要委婉。

When composing concluding remarks, one should note that the tone should be indirect/tactful.

时 (when) used as a suffix for the writing action.

5

他的结语不仅总结了过去,还展望了未来。

His concluding remarks not only summarized the past but also looked forward to the future.

不仅...还... (Not only... but also...).

6

结语部分通常包含对研究局限性的讨论。

The conclusion section usually includes a discussion of research limitations.

Adverb 通常 (usually) modifying the verb 包含.

7

这个纪录片的结语让所有人都陷入了沉思。

The concluding remarks of this documentary left everyone in deep thought.

让 (make/cause) causative structure.

8

他用一段充满哲理的话作为全书的结语。

He used a philosophically profound passage as the concluding remarks for the whole book.

Attributive phrase '充满哲理的' modifying 话.

1

此番结语可谓是点睛之笔,提升了整篇演讲的格调。

This conclusion can be called the 'finishing touch,' elevating the style of the entire speech.

Use of the idiom 点睛之笔 (the finishing touch) and formal particle 此番.

2

他在结语中对现有的社会体制提出了深刻的质疑。

In the concluding remarks, he raised profound doubts about the existing social system.

Preposition 对 (towards/about) introducing the object of doubt.

3

结语的辞藻虽然华丽,但内容略显空洞。

Although the rhetoric of the concluding remarks is magnificent, the content is somewhat hollow.

Contrastive structure using 虽然...但... with formal vocabulary (辞藻, 华丽, 空洞).

4

作者在结语处留下了悬念,引人遐想。

The author left a suspenseful note at the conclusion, sparking the imagination.

结语处 (at the conclusion) used as a locative.

5

这份法律文书的结语部分必须严谨,不容有失。

The concluding part of this legal document must be rigorous and cannot afford any errors.

Modal verb 必须 (must) and formal idiom 不容有失.

6

他以一种近乎悲壮的语气发表了最后的结语。

He delivered the final concluding remarks in a tone that was almost tragic yet heroic.

Adverbial phrase '以一种...语气' describing the manner of speaking.

7

结语的作用在于升华主题,而非简单的重复。

The function of concluding remarks lies in sublimating the theme, not simple repetition.

在于 (lies in) and 而非 (rather than) structure.

8

这篇社论的结语极具震撼力,引发了社会的广泛讨论。

The conclusion of this editorial was extremely powerful, sparking widespread social discussion.

极具 (extremely possessing) used with a noun like 震撼力.

1

其结语之精妙,在于将宏大叙事巧妙地收束于个体情感之中。

The subtlety of its concluding remarks lies in skillfully constraining the grand narrative within individual emotions.

Classical '之' (possessive) and '在于' (lies in) with complex abstract nouns.

2

纵观全篇,结语部分无疑是对作者学术思想的一次高度凝练。

Looking at the whole piece, the conclusion is undoubtedly a high-level condensation of the author's academic thought.

纵观 (looking throughout) and 凝练 (condensation/refining).

3

他那充满人文关怀的结语,为这场激烈的辩论画上了圆满的句号。

His concluding remarks, full of humanistic care, brought this fierce debate to a perfect close.

Metaphorical use of '画上句号' (to draw a period/bring to a close).

4

结语虽短,却意蕴深远,给人以无尽的回味。

The concluding remarks are short, but the meaning is profound, giving people endless aftertaste.

虽...却... (Although... yet...) with high-level literary terms (意蕴, 回味).

5

在该学术著作的结语中,作者不仅回应了前言的设问,更提出了前瞻性的见解。

In the conclusion of this academic work, the author not only responded to the questions posed in the preface but also proposed forward-looking insights.

Correlative '不仅...更...' and formal terms like 设问 (posed question) and 前瞻性 (forward-looking).

6

这番结语字字珠玑,尽显其深厚的文学功底。

These concluding remarks are like pearls of wisdom, fully displaying his profound literary skill.

Idiom 字字珠玑 (every word is a gem) and formal particle 这番.

7

结语中流露出的那种悲悯情怀,令读者无不为之动容。

The sense of compassion revealed in the concluding remarks moved every reader without exception.

Double negative '无不...为之动容' (everyone was moved by it).

8

文章以一段寓意深刻的寓言作为结语,可谓匠心独运。

The article uses a profound fable as its concluding remarks, which can be described as showing great ingenuity.

Idiom 匠心独运 (originality/ingenuity) used to praise a creative choice.

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