HSK 5
毕竟
bìjìng
after all
Structure
Subject + 毕竟 + Verb / Adjective / Noun Clause
How it works
The adverb '毕竟' (bìjìng) is used to emphasize the most important fact or the underlying reason that remains true despite other circumstances. It is often used to urge someone to be more understanding or to highlight an inevitable conclusion, frequently appearing in the second clause of a sentence.
Examples
没关系，他毕竟还是个孩子。
Méiguānxì, tā bìjìng háishì gè háizi.
It's okay; after all, he is still a child.
虽然很累，但毕竟我们赢了比赛。
Suīrán hěn lèi, dàn bìjìng wǒmen yíngle bǐsài.
Although we are tired, after all, we won the match.
你还是去看看他吧，他毕竟是你的父亲。
Nǐ háishì qù kànkan tā ba, tā bìjìng shì nǐ de fùqīn.
You should still go see him; after all, he is your father.
Common mistakes
Confusing '毕竟' with '到底' (dàodǐ). While both can mean 'after all', '到底' is often used in questions for emphasis or to express 'finally' after a long process, whereas '毕竟' focuses on the ultimate nature or reason of a situation.
Tip
Think of '毕竟' as a way to remind the listener of a 'bottom line' or inescapable truth that justifies a situation or attitude.
More HSK 5 grammar
See 毕竟 in real Chinese
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