Translation guide
A phrase used to introduce the final item in a list, emphasizing that it is not less important than the others.
The speaker wants to mention the last person or thing in a series, while stressing that it is equally important.
A polite, standard phrase used in speeches or formal settings. Literally 'it has become the last, but...'
最後になりましたが、田中さんに感謝を申し上げます。
Last but not least, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Tanaka.
Simply 'finally' or 'lastly'. Less emphatic about equal importance, but commonly used in casual and semi-formal contexts.
最後に、皆さんに一言お礼を言いたいです。
Last but not least, I'd like to say a word of thanks to everyone.
Literally 'what must not be forgotten is...'. Emphasizes that the final item is crucial, often used in persuasive or emphatic speech.
忘れてはいけないのが、環境問題です。
Last but not least, there is the environmental issue.
「最後になりましたが」 explicitly conveys the 'but not least' nuance and is preferred in formal speeches. 「最後に」 is neutral and can be used in everyday conversation, but it lacks the emphasis on equal importance.
最後になりましたが、ご来場の皆様に心より御礼申し上げます。
Last but not least, I would like to sincerely thank all of you for coming.
最後に、今日のまとめをします。
Finally, I will summarize today's discussion.
最後になりましたが、家族に感謝したいです。
Last but not least, I want to thank my family.
りんご、バナナ、そして忘れてはいけないのがオレンジです。
We have apples, bananas, and last but not least, oranges.
In casual lists, 「最後に」 is more natural: 「りんご、バナナ、最後にオレンジ」