〜末(に)
After much ~ 〜末(に)
Meaning
"After much ~, finally …" — a long process reaching its conclusion.
Formation
[verb た form] + 末(に) · [noun] の + 末(に)
Notes
Neutral about the outcome: the point is the length and effort of what came before, so it works for 考えた末に and 苦労の末に alike. あげく is the version restricted to bad endings.
Examples
よく考(かんが)えた末(すえ)に、留学(りゅうがく)を決(き)めました。
After thinking it over carefully, I decided to study abroad.
Breakdown
長(なが)い議論(ぎろん)の末(すえ)、計画(けいかく)は中止(ちゅうし)になった。
After a long debate, the plan was cancelled.
Breakdown
苦労(くろう)の末(すえ)、彼(かれ)は夢(ゆめ)をかなえた。
After much hardship, he realised his dream.
Breakdown
家族(かぞく)に相談(そうだん)した末(すえ)に、引っ越(ひっこ)すことにしました。
After talking it over with my family, I decided to move.
Breakdown
三(さん)時間(じかん)話し合(はなしあ)った末(すえ)、結論(けつろん)が出(で)た。
After three hours of discussion, a conclusion was reached.
Breakdown
⚠️ Often confused with
〜あげく(に)
After all that 〜あげく(に)
"After all that ~, in the end …" — a long, troublesome process ending badly.