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究竟

jiū jìng
HSK 2.0 Level 4 HSK 3.0 Level 4 Adverb Common

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Definitions

  1. 1. to go to the bottom of a matter
  2. 2. after all
  3. 3. when all is said and done
  4. 4. (in an interrogative sentence) finally
  5. 5. outcome
  6. 6. result

Word relationships

Related words

1 item
毕竟
bì jìng

after all

Means 'after all' but is used to state a reason or fact, while 究竟 can be used in questions.

Synonyms

1 item
到底
dào dǐ

finally

Used similarly to express 'after all' or to intensify a question, but 究竟 is more formal.

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Do not use 究竟 in statements where 毕竟 is needed: 究竟 is for probing questions or emphasis, not for stating a known reason.

Formality

究竟 is more formal than 到底 and is often used in written or formal speech.

Example Sentences

1 shown
你 究竟 为什么不来？
Why on earth didn't you come?

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 究竟

一探究竟
yī tàn jiū jìng

to check out

Child Words of 究竟

竟
jìng

unexpectedly

究
jiū

after all