Translation guide
The English word "last" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: final in a series, most recent, remaining, and enduring. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
Referring to the final item, person, or event in a sequence.
The most common and versatile word for "last" as final. Can be used for the last item, last person, last time, etc.
This is your last chance.
He came last.
Often used in compounds for "last" in a formal or scheduled sense, like last train, last day, final decision.
Loanword from English, used in casual contexts or set phrases like "last order" or "last spurt".
Referring to the most recent occurrence or the previous one in time.
Means "the other day" or "last time" in a casual sense. Very common in conversation.
Referring to the one or ones that are left after others are gone.
Used as "the last one" or "the last remaining". 最後の一つ (the last one), 最後の一人 (the last person).
To continue for a period of time; to be enough.
Intransitive verb meaning "to last" or "to continue". Used for events, states, or supplies.
For 'last week' use 先週 (せんしゅう), not 最後の週. 最後の週 means 'the final week' (of something). Similarly, use 先月 (せんげつ) for last month and 去年 (きょねん) for last year.
続く (intransitive) is for events or states continuing. 持つ (transitive) is for resources being sufficient or durable. この電池は長く続く is unnatural; use 長持ちする or 長くもつ.
最終電車に乗り遅れた。
I missed the last train.
The last day is free time.
Last order is at 10 o'clock.
When I saw you last, you looked well.
Formal or written word for "last time" or "previous occasion".
It was decided at the last meeting.
Specifically "last week". Similarly, 先月 (せんげつ) for last month, 去年 (きょねん) for last year.
I went to see a movie last week.
Formal word for "last night". In casual speech, 昨日の夜 (きのうのよる) is more common.
Did you sleep well last night?
Can I eat the last piece?
Means "the rest" or "remaining". Can be used for the last portion of something.
This is the last of the money.
How long will this rain last?
The food will last another week.
Transitive verb meaning "to last" in the sense of being sufficient or durable. Often used for money, supplies, or physical endurance.
These batteries last a long time.
The money won't last a month.
Intransitive version of 持つ, used in the potential form or with 長く (ながく) to mean "to last long".
These shoes won't last much longer.