〜末(に)
sue (ni)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Meaning
after (a long process), finally
〜末(に) means "after (a long process), finally…". The first part is a lengthy effort or deliberation (long negotiations, much worrying, a fierce battle) and the second part is the eventual outcome, which may be good or bad.
書き言葉寄り, also in formal speech. It attaches to Vた (悩んだ末に) or N + の (交渉の末に). Unlike あげく, it is neutral, so it fits happy endings (合格した) as well as sad ones. 末 alone (without に) is common in writing.
Formation
V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
Vた + 末(に) / N + の + 末(に)
Visual diagram
| Aspect | Result | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 〜末に | any (often a decision) | 悩んだ末に留学を決めた |
| 〜あげく | bad / regrettable | 悩んだあげく何も買わなかった |
Natural examples
長い交渉の末に、契約が成立した。
ながいこうしょうのすえに、けいやくがせいりつした。
After lengthy negotiations, the contract was concluded.
N + の + 末に with a positive outcome.
悩んだ末、留学することに決めた。
なやんだすえ、りゅうがくすることにきめた。
After much deliberation, I decided to study abroad.
Vた + 末 (without に) with a decision.
激しい戦いの末、チームは優勝した。
はげしいたたかいのすえ、チームはゆうしょうした。
After a fierce battle, the team won the title.
A neutral narration of victory.
何度も話し合った末に、二人は離婚することにした。
なんどもはなしあったすえに、ふたりはりこんすることにした。
After talking it over many times, the two decided to divorce.
A neutral report of a decision.
厳しい練習の末、彼女はついに代表選手に選ばれた。
きびしいれんしゅうのすえ、かのじょはついにだいひょうせんしゅにえらばれた。
After hard training, she was finally chosen for the national team.
Positive outcome; あげく would be wrong here.
Similar grammar and the difference
Same structure but only for bad results. Compare side by side
〜た結果
Plain cause and result; no sense of length.
"After doing (a preparatory step)": one deliberate step rather than a long process. Compare side by side
Common mistakes
- ✗
- 悩む末に、決めた。
- ✓
- 悩んだ末に、決めた。
- Why
- Verbs take the past form.
- ✗
- 五分考えた末に、決めた。（trivial）
- ✓
- 何日も考えた末に、決めた。
- Why
- 末に implies a long process; a five-minute thought sounds odd.
- ✗
- 長い交渉末に
- ✓
- 長い交渉の末に
- Why
- Nouns need の.
末の + noun: 苦労の末の成功 (success after hardship). Often paired with ついに, やっと, 結局 in the second clause. In news: 協議の末, 審議の末.
JLPT N2 tips
On the exam
- A long process + Vた/Nの + blank + an outcome (positive or decision) → 末に; if the outcome is clearly bad and regretful, あげく is also possible, so check which is offered.
- Distractors: あげく, 上で, とたんに. A happy ending rules out あげく; a sudden single event rules out both.
- In 並べ替え, 末に usually comes right after a Vた or Nの chunk.
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜末(に) mean?
after (a long process), finally. 〜末(に) means "after (a long process), finally…". The first part is a lengthy effort or deliberation (long negotiations, much worrying, a fierce battle) and the second part is the eventual outcome, which may be good or bad.
How do you form 〜末(に)?
Vた + 末(に) / N + の + 末(に). V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
When is 〜末(に) used?
書き言葉寄り, also in formal speech. It attaches to Vた (悩んだ末に) or N + の (交渉の末に). Unlike あげく, it is neutral, so it fits happy endings (合格した) as well as sad ones. 末 alone (without に) is common in writing.
What is the difference between 〜末(に) and 〜あげく?
Same structure but only for bad results.
What is the difference between 〜末(に) and 〜た結果?
Plain cause and result; no sense of length.
What is a common mistake with 〜末(に)?
Wrong: 悩む末に、決めた。 Right: 悩んだ末に、決めた。 Verbs take the past form.
Quick check
長い闘病生活の（ ）、彼はついに健康を取り戻した。