Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Finally, ultimately, in the end: Indicates the final point in a sequence of events or the ultimate conclusion after all other considerations.
   • Last, after everyone/everything else: Refers to being at the end of an order or sequence.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Sau cùng, chúng tôi cũng đã tìm ra giải pháp. (Finally, we found the solution.)
  • Anh ấy luôn đến sau cùng trong mọi cuộc họp. (He always arrives last in every meeting.)
  • Sau cùng, tình yêu thương mới là điều quan trọng nhất. (In the end, love is the most important thing.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đến sau cùng": To come last, to be the final one.

  • Trong cuộc đua, anh ấy đã đến sau cùng. (In the race, he came last.)

• Used to introduce a concluding or summarizing statement after presenting other points.

  • Chúng ta đã thảo luận nhiều ý kiến. Sau cùng, tôi đề nghị chọn phương án A. (We have discussed many opinions. Finally, I suggest choosing option A.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cuối cùng (adj/adv): Final, finally. Often used interchangeably with "sau cùng" but can also function as an adjective (e.g., - the final result).
• Sau hết (adv): Lastly, finally. A more formal or literary synonym.
• Sau rốt (adv): Ultimately, in the final analysis. Similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

Synonyms

• Rốt cuộc: In the end, after all (can imply a sense of "what happened eventually").
• Cuối cùng: Finally, ultimately.
• Sau hết: Lastly, finally.

Related Phrases

• Sau cùng thì...: When it comes down to it...; Ultimately...
  • Sau cùng thì, sức khỏe vẫn là trên hết. (When it comes down to it, health is still the most important.)

Related Idioms

• Đầu voi đuôi chuột: (Lit: Elephant's head, mouse's tail) Means a strong start but a weak, disappointing finish. This idiom contrasts with the concept of a proper, conclusive "sau cùng."
  • Dự án này thật là đầu voi đuôi chuột. (This project started strong but ended poorly.)

1. After everyone, after everything,last
   • Đến sau cùng
     To come last