Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Finally, in the end, ultimately: Used to indicate the last point in a sequence, list, or argument, or to introduce a concluding remark after all other considerations.

Usage

• Position in a sentence: Typically used at the beginning of a clause or sentence to introduce a final point or conclusion.
• Function: It signals that what follows is the last item in a logical or temporal order, often summarizing or providing the ultimate point.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Chúng tôi đã thảo luận về ngân sách, nhân sự, và sau hết là chiến lược dài hạn. (We discussed the budget, personnel, and finally, the long-term strategy.)
  • Anh ấy nói về những khó khăn, thách thức, và sau hết, anh ấy bày tỏ sự lạc quan. (He talked about the difficulties, the challenges, and finally, he expressed optimism.)
  • Sau hết, tôi muốn cảm ơn tất cả mọi người đã tham gia. (Finally, I would like to thank everyone for participating.)

Advanced Usage

• "Sau hết" vs. "Cuối cùng": While both can mean "finally," "sau hết" is more formal and literary, often used in writing or structured speech to denote the last in a series of points or arguments. "Cuối cùng" is more common in everyday speech and can also mean "in the end" regarding an outcome.
  • Sau hết, tôi xin kết luận rằng dự án này là khả thi. (Finally, I conclude that this project is feasible.) [Formal, concluding an argument]
  • Cuối cùng thì chúng tôi cũng về đến nhà. (We finally arrived home.) [Neutral, referring to a sequence of events]

Variants and Related Words

• Sau cùng (adv): Finally, in the end. Very similar in meaning and usage to "sau hết," though perhaps slightly less formal.
  • Sau cùng, mọi chuyện rồi cũng ổn thỏa. (In the end, everything was settled.)
• Cuối cùng (adv): Finally, at last. The most common and versatile term.
• Rốt cuộc (adv): In the final analysis, after all. Often used to emphasize the end result or conclusion of a matter.
  • Rốt cuộc, cô ấy đã quyết định đi du học. (In the end, she decided to study abroad.)

Synonyms

• Cuối cùng (adv): Finally, at last.
• Sau cùng (adv): Finally, in the end.
• Rốt cuộc (adv): Ultimately, in the final analysis.

Related Phrases

• Điểm sau hết (n): The final point.
  • Điểm sau hết tôi muốn đề cập là tính bền vững. (The final point I want to mention is sustainability.)
• Đến sau hết (v phrase): To come last.
  • Phần thảo luận sẽ đến sau hết. (The discussion part will come last.)

Related Idioms

• Đầu xuôi đuôi lọt: Literally "If the head goes through, the tail will follow," meaning if the beginning goes well, the end will be successful. While not containing "sau hết," this idiom relates to the concept of beginnings and ends.
  • Chúng ta đã khởi đầu tốt, đầu xuôi đuôi lọt mà. (We started well; if the start is smooth, the end will be too.)

1. at the end, finally