Definition

Adverb: - Finally; in the end; ultimately: Used to indicate the final outcome or conclusion of a series of events or a process, often after a long time or much consideration. - After all: Used to introduce a statement that summarizes the most important point or the final truth, sometimes expressing a sense of contrast with what was expected.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Chúng tôi đã thảo luận rất lâu và rốt cuộc đã đưa ra quyết định. (We discussed for a long time and finally made a decision.)
  • Anh ấy hứa nhiều điều, nhưng rốt cuộc chẳng làm được gì. (He promised many things, but in the end, he didn't accomplish anything.)
  • Rốt cuộc, cô ấy đã chọn học ở nước ngoài. (After all, she chose to study abroad.)

Advanced Usage

• "rốt cuộc thì...": "So, in the end..." or "The bottom line is...". This phrase is often used to pose a direct question about the final result or to strongly emphasize the conclusion.
  • Rốt cuộc thì anh định làm gì? (So, what are you going to do, finally?)
  • Rốt cuộc thì mọi chuyện cũng đã kết thúc tốt đẹp. (The bottom line is, everything ended well.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rốt cục (adv): A variant with identical meaning and usage to "rốt cuộc."
  • Rốt cục, họ đã ly dị. (In the end, they got divorced.)
• Cuối cùng (adv): Finally, lastly. This is a more common and neutral synonym for the sequential meaning.
• Kết cục (n): The ending, the final result (used as a noun).
  • Kết cục của bộ phim thật bất ngờ. (The ending of the movie was surprising.)

Synonyms

• Finally: At the end of a period of time or series of events.
• Ultimately: In the end, after everything has been considered.
• In the end: When everything is considered.
• After all: Used to add information that shows that what you have just said is true, or to give a reason.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Đến *rốt cuộc*: By the final stage; when all is said and done.
  • Đến rốt cuộc, ai cũng phải thừa nhận sự thật. (When all is said and done, everyone has to admit the truth.)

1. finally; at last; after all