Meaning & usage
末に expresses that after a long period of thinking, discussion, effort, or trouble, a final result or decision is reached. It follows the past tense form of a verb, as in 考えた末に, or a noun with の, as in 議論の末に, and に is often optional with little change in meaning. It is common in formal writing and speech, and implies difficulty before the conclusion, so it does not fit routine sequences.
Example sentences 8
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私たちはよく考えた末彼の申し出を受け入れた。
After much consideration, we accepted his offer.
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長い議論の末ようやく彼らは結論に達した。
Only after a long dispute did they come to a conclusion.
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何度も話し合った末に、引っ越しを決めた。
After talking it over many times, we decided to move.
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長い会議の末に、新しい計画が始まった。
After a long meeting, the new project finally started.
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いろいろ悩んだ末に、仕事を辞めることにした。
After worrying about it a lot, I decided to quit my job.
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何回も練習した末に、試合に勝つことができた。
After practicing over and over, we were able to win the game.
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長い検査の末に、病気の原因が分かった。
After lengthy tests, the cause of the illness was found.
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ずいぶん迷った末に、このかばんを買いました。
After hesitating for a long time, I bought this bag.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 3 past exam questions.
