总算【zǒngsuàn】

总算 goes before the verb and says something wanted has happened after a long time or a lot of effort. It carries relief, and the sentence usually ends in 了.

The first clause often says how long it took.

At least

After a clause about something disappointing, 总算 points to the part that turned out all right: "at least".

总算 or 终于

Both mean "finally". 终于 just marks the end of a long wait, so it fits good and bad outcomes. 总算 is only for an outcome you wanted, and only 总算 has the "at least" use.

• × 他等了半天，总算失去了耐心 → 他等了半天，终于失去了耐心