finalmente
“finalmente” means “finally” in Spanish (Main translation when something happens after waiting or a series of events).
finally
Also: ultimately, in the end, at last
📝 In Action
Finalmente llegué a casa después de un largo viaje.
A2I finally arrived home after a long trip.
Finalmente, después de meses de búsqueda, encontró trabajo.
B1Ultimately, after months of searching, he found a job.
Finalmente nos decidimos por el restaurante italiano.
B1In the end, we decided on the Italian restaurant.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: finalmente
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'finalmente'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'finalis' meaning 'of the end' or 'belonging to the end,' combined with the adverb suffix '-mente' (from Latin 'mente' meaning 'mind' or 'way').
First recorded: 12th-13th centuries
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'finalmente' at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence?
Yes! All three positions work. Beginning: 'Finalmente llegué.' Middle: 'Llegué finalmente.' End: 'Llegué, finalmente.' The beginning position sounds more dramatic, while end position feels more natural in conversation.
Is 'finalmente' more formal than 'por fin'?
They're both neutral and common. 'Finalmente' sounds slightly more formal and is often used in writing, while 'por fin' is more casual. But you can use either one in most situations.
What's the difference between 'finalmente,' 'al fin,' and 'por fin'?
'Finalmente' is the most general - it works for any completion. 'Al fin' and 'por fin' specifically mean 'at last' when you've been waiting or trying for something. Use 'finalmente' for stories and conclusions: 'Finalmente, el verano llegó' (Finally, summer arrived).