means "finally" or "at last": something you wanted has happened after a long wait or a lot of effort, and you are relieved. It is an adverb, so it takes no particle, and the verb after it is usually in the past.
。
Spring has finally come.
。
I've finally finished work.
さん3、。
After waiting three hours, the bus finally came.
With a potential verb or , it says you have finally managed something.
。
I can finally understand a little Japanese.
。
I finally managed to buy a ticket.
やっと or とうとう
やっと is only for an outcome you wanted. For something bad that happened in the end, use or , which work for good and bad outcomes alike.
。
The old computer finally broke.
means the same as やっと and sounds a little more formal.
"Only just"
やっと also means "only just", "barely": you managed, but with nothing to spare.
、。
I ran and only just made it.
、。
My pay is low, so I barely get by.
。
It's a narrow road, barely wide enough for two people.
Lingaku