Comparing “zǒngsuàn” and “zhōngyú”
总算 vs 终于
Comparison section · original #2 · level order #95
How it works
Both 总算 (zǒngsuàn) and 终于 (zhōngyú) can mean “finally.” But their feeling is different:
终于 (zhōngyú) focuses on the fact that something happened after waiting or effort.
总算 (zǒngsuàn) often adds the feeling of relief, as if the speaker has finally reached a satisfactory or expected result after difficulty.
Example sentences
下了一个星期的雨，今天终于晴了。
It rained for a whole week, and today it finally cleared up.
忙了这么久，这个项目总算告一段落了。
After being busy for so long, this project has finally come to a stage of completion.
他坚持了这么多年，终于实现了自己的目标，也总算对自己有了个交代。
He persisted for so many years and finally achieved his goal, and at last he could also give himself an explanation.
Key point
终于 (zhōngyú) is more neutral. 总算 (zǒngsuàn) often contains more emotional relief.