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.
これが最後のチャンスです。
This is your last chance.
彼は最後に来ました。
He came last.
Often used in compounds for "last" in a formal or scheduled sense, like last train, last day, final decision.
最終電車に乗り遅れた。
I missed the last train.
最終日は自由行動です。
The last day is free time.
Loanword from English, used in casual contexts or set phrases like "last order" or "last spurt".
ラストオーダーは10時です。
Last order is at 10 o'clock.
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.
この前会ったとき、元気そうだった。
When I saw you last, you looked well.
Formal or written word for "last time" or "previous occasion".
Specifically "last week". Similarly, 先月 (せんげつ) for last month, 去年 (きょねん) for last year.
Formal word for "last night". In casual speech, 昨日の夜 (きのうのよる) is more common.
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).
最後の一切れを食べてもいい？
Can I eat the last piece?
Means "the rest" or "remaining". Can be used for the last portion of something.
残りのお金はこれだけです。
This is the last of the money.
To continue for a period of time; to be enough.
Intransitive verb meaning "to last" or "to continue". Used for events, states, or supplies.
この雨はいつまで続くのだろう。
How long will this rain last?
食料はあと一週間続く。
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.
この電池は長持ちします。
These batteries last a long time.
Intransitive version of 持つ, used in the potential form or with 長く (ながく) to mean "to last long".
この靴はもうもたない。
These shoes won't last much longer.
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.
前回の会議で決定しました。
It was decided at the last meeting.
先週、映画を見に行った。
I went to see a movie last week.
昨晩はよく眠れましたか。
Did you sleep well last night?
The money won't last a month.