GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜たあげく
Indicates that a long or repeated process ends in an undesirable result contrary to expectations.
Examples
何度も話し合ったあげく、計画は中止になった。
After discussing it again and again, the plan was canceled in the end.
Words used
長い間迷ったあげく、その店を閉めることにした。
After agonizing over it for a long time, I decided to close the store.
Words used
何時間も探したあげく、鍵は机の上で見つかった。
After hours of searching, the key was finally found on the desk.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: After a verb's ta-form or a noun plus
の,あげくpresents the outcome of a long or repeated process, usually with regret or frustration. - Basic usage:
何度も話し合ったあげく、計画は中止になった。presents cancellation as the outcome despite repeated discussions.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The outcome itself versus evaluation of the process
何時間も探したあげく、鍵は机の上で見つかったcan express frustration at the long search even though the key was found. The effort invested and the speaker's evaluation matter beyond simply labeling the outcome a success or failure.