Grammar · Chapter 35
总算: at long last, with relief
总算 + verb + 了
总算 means 'at long last': you waited or struggled, and now something good has happened. It carries relief and almost always comes with 了. Unlike 终于, 'in the end', it only fits an outcome you wanted: you can't use it for bad news.
Examples
- 你总算来了。 Nǐ zǒngsuàn lái le. You've finally come.
- 孩子总算睡着了。 Háizi zǒngsuàn shuìzháo le. The child has finally fallen asleep.
- 我总算懂了。 Wǒ zǒngsuàn dǒng le. I finally understand.