enfin

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/ɑ̃fɛ̃/

adverb

at last

finally

Enfin tu es arrivé, on commençait à s'inquiéter.

At last you're here, we were starting to worry.

Synonyms:finalement, à la fin

adverb

I mean

well (used to soften, qualify, or reformulate what was just said)

Il est sympa, enfin, parfois un peu distant.

He's nice, well, sometimes a bit distant.

Synonyms:je veux dire, en d'autres termes, bref

adverb

come on

for heaven's sake

honestly (expressing surprise, impatience or irritation)

Mais enfin, tu vas arrêter ?

Oh, come on, are you going to stop?

Synonyms:allez, bon, bon sang

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Enfin is an adverb meaning "finally," "at last," "in the end," or "after all." It can express completion, relief, or a sense of urgency.

USAGE

It commonly signifies completion ("We arrived *enfin*.") or relief ("*Enfin*!"). It also functions as a conversational filler or correction, meaning "well," "I mean," or "anyway" (*C'est bien, *enfin*, je pense.*).

TRAPS

While often interchangeable with "finalement" for "finally," enfin can also carry a tone of exasperation or impatience ("*Enfin*, dépêche-toi!") unlike "finalement." Be mindful of its nuance as a discourse marker.