
GRAMMAR
〜末に
after
at the end of
Explanation
NOTE
〜末に means after or as a result of — emphasizing that something happened at the end of a long process of deliberation, effort, or struggle.
長い議論の末に、結論が出た。
After a long discussion, a conclusion was reached.
Often used after deliberation, hardship, or extended effort.
NOTE
The result clause typically describes a final outcome or decision that follows the lengthy process — neutral, positive, or negative.
NOTE
With verbs, attach 末に directly to the plain past form (考えた → 考えた*末に*).
STRUCTURE
Vた
<ruby>末<rt>すえ</rt></ruby>にさんざん悩んだ末に、留学することに決めた。
Sanzan nayanda sue ni, ryuugaku suru koto ni kimeta.
After agonizing over it, I decided to study abroad.
何度も話し合った末に、離婚することにした。
Nando mo hanashiatta sue ni, rikon suru koto ni shita.
After discussing it many times, we decided to divorce.
長年研究を続けた末に、新しい薬を開発した。
Naganen kenkyuu wo tsuzuketa sue ni, atarashii kusuri wo kaihatsu shita.
After continuing research for many years, they developed a new drug.
NOTE
With nouns, attach の末に — the noun usually describes a process like 議論 (discussion), 努力 (effort), or 苦労 (hardship).
STRUCTURE
N辞
の<ruby>末<rt>すえ</rt></ruby>に激しい議論の末に、計画が採用された。
Hageshii giron no sue ni, keikaku ga saiyou sareta.
After a heated discussion, the plan was adopted.
長年の苦労の末に、ついに夢を叶えた。
Naganen no kurou no sue ni, tsui ni yume wo kanaeta.
After many years of hardship, I finally fulfilled my dream.
三時間の手術の末に、患者の命は救われた。
Sanjikan no shujutsu no sue ni, kanja no inochi wa sukuwareta.
After a three-hour operation, the patient's life was saved.
Practice exercises
1
彼は慎重なことだから、十分検討した末に決定した。
Since he is cautious, he made the decision after thoroughly considering it.
Answer
末に
2
一旦始めた以上は、徹底的に検討した末に結果を出そう。
Now that we've started, let's produce results after thoroughly investigating.
Answer
末に
3
長期間交渉した末に、ようやく契約が成立した。
After negotiating for a long period, the contract was finally established.
Answer
末に
4
数多の試行錯誤を重ねた末に、画期的な解決策を発見した。
After countless trials and errors, they discovered a groundbreaking solution.
Answer
末に
5
彼の一言ばかりに、長い時間考え続けた末に、疲れてしまった。
Simply because of his one word, after continuing to think for a long time, I ended up getting tired.
Answer
末に