JLPT N2 grammar

〜の末／た末meaning and usage

Meaning

As a conclusion of A, B

How to form it

  • verb (ta-form)末（に）
  • nounの末（に）
  • nounの末のnoun

How it is used

After a long process of thought, effort or discussion, B is the final outcome, as in 「よく考えた末に」. The result can be good or bad, while 「〜た挙句」 usually leads to a bad one. Somewhat formal.

Examples

  1. 私たちは激しく言い争った末に、妥協案で手を打つことにした。

    As a result of our vehement disputes, we decided to agree on a compromise plan.

  2. いろいろ迷った末に、大学院に進むことにした。

    After a lot of indecision, I decided to go on to graduate school.

  3. 長年の努力の末、彼女はついに自分の店を開いた。

    After years of hard work, she finally opened her own shop.