Grammar Point:
The Chinese word 毕竟 bìjìng is commonly used to emphasize a fact or reason, often suggesting that something is understandable or inevitable because of certain circumstances. It can be translated into English as “after all,” “in the end,” or “as expected.” It is used both in spoken and written Chinese.
Structure
毕竟 bìjìng + Fact + Conclusion
Conclusion + 毕竟 bìjìng + Fact
To express a conclusion or justification based on prior facts:
畢竟他是老師,知道的當然比我們多毕竟他是老师,知道的当然比我们多
After all, he is a teacher, so of course he knows more than us.
這本書畢竟是暢銷書,內容一定不差这本书毕竟是畅销书,内容一定不差
After all, this is a bestseller, so the content must be good.
畢竟你是新人,做錯一些事情也很正常毕竟你是新人,做错一些事情也很正常
After all, you’re new, making mistakes is normal.
這家店的價格有點貴,畢竟是名牌的東西这家店的价格有点儿贵,毕竟是名牌的东西
The prices at this store are a bit high, after all, it’s brand-name stuff.
毕竟 bìjìng + Condition + what you should do
To emphasize something that is obvious or clear because of a certain condition:
我們畢竟是朋友,應該互相幫助我们毕竟是朋友,应该互相帮助
We are friends after all, we should help each other.
畢竟我已經學習中文這麼久了,不能再輕易放棄毕竟我已经学习中文这么久了,不能再轻易放弃
After all, I’ve been studying Chinese for so long, I can’t give up so easily.
他畢竟是成年人,應該能為自己的行為負責他毕竟是成年人,应该能为自己的行为负责
After all, he’s an adult, so he should be responsible for his actions.
畢竟你是我的學生,我當然會站在你這一邊毕竟你是我的学生,我当然会站在你这一边
After all, you’re my student, so I will definitely stand by you.
Common Combination
虽然 suīrán…,但 dàn…,毕竟 bìjìng…
This structure often implies an idea that the situation is understandable or reasonable, even though there may have been challenges or contradictions.
雖然他很年輕,但他很有經驗,畢竟他已經工作了五年了虽然他很年轻,但他很有经验,毕竟他已经工作了五年了
Although he’s very young, he has a lot of experience, after all, he’s been working for five years.
* Despite his young age (contrast), the truth is that his experience is significant because he’s been working for a long time (inevitable fact).
雖然你很忙,但你畢竟是我的朋友,應該幫我虽然你很忙,但你毕竟是我的朋友,应该帮我
Although you’re very busy, you are my friend, after all, you should help me.
* Even though you’re busy (contrast), the reality is that as my friend (inevitable reason), you should help.
FYI
The sentence above is a perfect example of what we call 情勒 qínglè. It’s a colloquial term in Chinese that combines 情 (emotion, affection) with 勒 (to force or constrain). Essentially, 情勒 qínglè refers to a situation where someone emotionally manipulates or pressures another person, usually in relationships, by making them feel guilty or obligated to do something. It’s a form of emotional blackmail, where one person uses their feelings or affection to manipulate the other into complying with their wishes.
雖然他剛剛搬到這座城市,但他畢竟學過中文,應該能很快適應虽然他刚刚搬到这座城市,但他毕竟学过中文,应该能很快适应
Although he just moved to this city, he has learned Chinese, after all, he will adapt quickly.
* Despite being new to the city (contrast), the fact that he knows Chinese (inevitable reason) will help him adapt quickly.
雖然你做得很好,但我畢竟是老闆,我可以決定最終的結果虽然你做得很好,但我毕竟是老板,我可以决定最终的结果
Although you did really well, I’m the boss, after all, I can make the final decision.
雖然我很不喜歡你,但你畢竟付了我不少學費,我只好每次上課都說我最愛你虽然我很不喜欢你,但你毕竟付了我不少学费,我只好每次上课都说我最爱你 🤪
Although I really don’t like you, after all you’ve paid me a lot of tuition, so I have no choice but to say you’re my favorite student.
雖然我沒真的學過中文,但畢竟我跟中國女朋友在一起10年了,我還是知道不少中文虽然我没真的学过中文,但毕竟我跟中国女朋友在一起10年了,我还是知道不少中文
Although I haven’t really studied Chinese, after all, I’ve been with my Chinese girlfriend for 10 years, so I still know quite a bit of Chinese.
雖然喝珍奶會胖,但我畢竟運動了3個小時,喝一杯不會怎麼樣吧虽然喝珍奶会胖,但我毕竟运动了3个小时,喝一杯不会怎么样吧
Although drinking bubble tea can make you gain weight, after all, I exercised for 3 hours, so drinking one cup shouldn’t be a big deal, right?