Japanese grammar
What does ～すえに mean? Japanese grammar N2
～すえに means after a long process (of much deliberation/effort), finally arrived at a result.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vた + 末に Nの + 末に |
| Romaji | sueni |
| Meaning | after a long process (of much deliberation/effort), finally arrived at a result |
Forming it
| Noun | 話し合い + の + 末に |
|---|---|
| Verb | 考えた + 末に |
How to use it
States a result reached after a long process, much effort, or deliberation; emphasizes the arduous process beforehand.
- 「～末に」 expresses that AFTER a long process of deliberation/effort/hardship, one finally arrives at a result: "after… finally…".
- The first clause is usually a verb describing a repeated or prolonged process (考える, 悩む, 話し合う). The result in the second clause can be good or neutral.
- Different from 「あげく」: 「末に」 is more neutral (the result can be good); 「あげく」 emphasizes a BAD result after a negative process.
Examples
長く考えた末に、転職を決めました。
After long deliberation, I decided to change jobs.
話し合いの末に、合意しました。
After much discussion, we reached an agreement.
Keep in mind
- 「末（すえ）に」, and with a noun 「の末に」.
- Emphasizes "after so much..., finally".
Common mistakes
-
Wrong考える末に、決めた。
After thinking it over for a long time, I made my decision.
Correct考えた末に、決めた。
「末に」 states a result AFTER a process that has already occurred, so use 「Vた末に」 (考えた).
-
Wrong少し考えた末に、すぐ決めた。
After thinking about it for a very long time, I finally made my decision.
Correct長く考えた末に、やっと決めた。
「末に」 requires a LONG process of deliberation; it does not fit "thought a little and then decided right away".
Exam tips
- 「末に」 = arriving at a result after a long process (neutral); for a bad result use 「あげく」.