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March 24, 2026
究竟jiūjìng(jiu1jing4)
究竟 (jiūjìng) is used to seek clarification or to emphasize the essence of a matter. It often appears in questions to inquire about the true state of affairs or to express curiosity about a situation after considering all factors. In contexts, it conveys a sense of urgency or necessity to understand the core truth.
Strokes18Frequency#1282DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the pursuit of truth and understanding is highly valued, often reflected in literature and philosophy. The phrase '究竟' embodies this cultural trait, as it represents the importance of seeking clarity and resolution in discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective digging deep into a mystery to uncover the truth. The character 究 (jiū) looks like a person at the bottom of a well, searching for answers, and 整 (jìng) suggests the idea of 'settling' or 'making clear'—together, they mean 'to get to the bottom of things.'
Meanings of 究竟
jiūjìng(jiu1jing4)
1after all (when all is said and done)
2actually
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About 究竟
究竟Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#1282Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 究竟
Podcast: 究竟
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AI Study Notes for 究竟
Quick Contrast
到底 (dàodǐ) vs 究竟 (jiūjìng): Use 究竟 when emphasizing the essence of a matter or seeking clarification, while 到底 is more common in questions concerning the final outcome or conclusion.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 究竟 with other similar phrases like 到底 (dàodǐ), which is used in slightly different contexts. 究竟 is more formal and often used in writing or serious conversations. Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing them can change the word's meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As HSK Level 4 vocabulary, 究竟 is useful for discussing topics that require clarification or deeper understanding. Students should practice using it in questions to enhance their conversational skills, connecting it with other HSK 4 words related to inquiry or explanation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 究竟 where they should use 到底, as in '你到底想要什么？' (What do you really want?). A correct sentence with 究竟 would be '你究竟知道多少？' (How much do you really know?).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 究竟
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How to say after all (when all is said and done) in Chinese
“after all (when all is said and done)” in Chinese is究竟jiūjìng
究竟 (jiūjìng) is used to seek clarification or to emphasize the essence of a matter. It often appears in questions to inquire about the true state of affairs or to express curiosity about a situation after considering all factors. In contexts, it conveys a sense of urgency or necessity to understand the core truth.
When to use 究竟
Be careful not to confuse 究竟 with other similar phrases like 到底 (dàodǐ), which is used in slightly different contexts. 究竟 is more formal and often used in writing or serious conversations. Remember to use the correct tones, as mispronouncing them can change the word's meaning.
究竟 or something close to it
到底 (dàodǐ) vs 究竟 (jiūjìng): Use 究竟 when emphasizing the essence of a matter or seeking clarification, while 到底 is more common in questions concerning the final outcome or conclusion.
What learners get wrong
Learners often use 究竟 where they should use 到底, as in '你到底想要什么？' (What do you really want?). A correct sentence with 究竟 would be '你究竟知道多少？' (How much do you really know?).
Write 究竟
究
竟
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Grammar Patterns of 究竟
究竟 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
