とうとう

(2 entries)
Alternative writings: 滔々, 滔滔, 濤々, 濤濤
Frequency:
1

Describes water (especially a river) flowing copiously and forcefully; used in phrases like 'tōtō to flow'. Note: different from the adverb meaning 'finally' (different word/kanji).

Adverb Taking 'と'Taru-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

梅雨の後、川は滔々と水を下流へ運んでいた。

After the rainy season, the river carried water downstream in a mighty flow.

滔々と湧き出る温泉の流れが岩を削っている。

The gushing hot spring flow is eroding the rocks.

古い地図には、滔々たる河の記述が見られる。

Old maps show descriptions of mighty rivers.

2

To speak eloquently and fluently, pouring out words in a continuous, abundant flow (used as 'tōtō to speak').

Adverb Taking 'と'Taru-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

彼は会議で滔々と自分の考えを述べたが、要点が分かりにくかった。

He spoke eloquently at the meeting, but his main points were hard to grasp.

教授は滔々と講義を続け、学生たちは聞き入っていた。

The professor delivered a fluent, flowing lecture, and the students listened attentively.

作家は滔々たる筆致で歴史を描いた。

The writer depicted history in a richly flowing style.

3

Used figuratively for a powerful, sweeping current or tide of the times; the momentum of an era or trend moving strongly in one direction.

Adverb Taking 'と'Taru-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

技術革新の波は滔々として業界を変えていった。

The wave of technological innovation swept through and transformed the industry.