～た末
After, As a conclusion of
Structure
Noun + の + すえ （に）
Explanation
The word 末, meaning 'end,' connects to past-tense verbs or to nouns with the particle の. The particle に often follows 末, indicating that a certain conclusion was reached at the very 'end' of a process.
Although commonly translated as 'after (A), (B)' or 'as a result of (A), (B),' this grammar structure emphasizes that (B) is the final outcome that was arrived at only after a long period of effort, deliberation, or struggle in (A).
- 長い時間悩んだ末に、留学することを決心した。After agonizing over it for a long time, I made up my mind to study abroad.
- 何度も話し合った末に、新しい家を買うことにした。After discussing it many times, we decided to buy a new house.
- 長年の努力の末、ついに夢がかなった。After many years of hard work, my dream finally came true.
- 数時間にわたる会議の末に、新しいプロジェクトの計画が固まった。After a meeting that went on for several hours, the plan for the new project was solidified.
末に can introduce both positive and negative outcomes. In either case, it implies that the result (B) was only reached after a prolonged period of difficulty or exertion.
Examples
どっちの服を買うか、さんざん迷った末に、両方とも買ってしまった。
After agonizing over which clothes to buy, I ended up buying both.
度重なる苦労の末に、ついに夢のマイホームを手に入れた。
After countless hardships, I finally got the house of my dreams.
三年間悩みに悩んだ末、会社を辞めることにした。
After agonizing over it for three years, I decided to quit my job.
長い時間の話し合いの末、ようやく彼と和解することができた。
After a long discussion, I was finally able to reconcile with him.
彼とは激しいけんかをした末に、別れることになった。
After having a huge fight with him, we ended up breaking up.
血のにじむような努力の末に、オリンピックで金メダルを獲得した。
After an incredible amount of effort, she won a gold medal at the Olympics.
犯人は二週間逃げ回った末に、とうとう警察に捕まった。
After being on the run for two weeks, the criminal was finally caught by the police.
いろいろ探し回った末に、ようやく理想の家を見つけることができた。
After searching all over the place, I was finally able to find my ideal home.
両国は数か月にわたる交渉の末、平和条約に調印した。
After several months of negotiations, the two countries signed a peace treaty.
役員会での慎重な協議の末、新しいプロジェクトの開始が決定した。
After careful deliberation at the board meeting, it was decided to start the new project.
長期間にわたる治療を続けた末に、ようやく病気が完治した。
After continuing treatment for a long period of time, I finally made a full recovery from my illness.
彼はいろいろ試行錯誤した末、自分だけの味を作り出した。
After a lot of trial and error, he created his own unique flavor.