Translation guide
The English phrase "last time" refers to the most recent previous occurrence of an event. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on whether you are talking about the previous instance in a series (前回), the final time something happened (最後), or the previous occasion in a more general sense (この前).
Referring to the most recent instance of a recurring event, such as a meeting, class, or episode.
Used for the previous time in a numbered or scheduled series. Common in formal and neutral contexts.
前回の会議でその問題について話し合いました。
We discussed that issue at the last meeting.
前回のエピソードはとても面白かったです。
The last episode was very interesting.
Means 'the other day' or 'last time' in a casual, conversational sense. Not used for formal series.
Avoid in formal writing or when referring to a specific numbered occurrence.
この前、映画を見に行った。
Last time, I went to see a movie.
Expressing that something was the last time it happened, implying it will not happen again.
Means 'last' or 'final'. Used when emphasizing that it was the final occurrence.
彼に会ったのはあれが最後だった。
That was the last time I saw him.
これが最後のチャンスです。
This is the last chance.
Pattern meaning 'never again'. Often used with past tense to indicate the last time something happened.
もう二度とあんなことはしません。
I will never do that again.
Referring to the last time something happened without implying a series or finality.
Also used for general previous occasions, though slightly formal.
前回はうまくいきました。
Last time it went well.
Casual way to say 'last time' for any recent past event.
Simply 'before' or 'previously'. Can be used to contrast with now.
前はもっと安かった。
Last time it was cheaper.
前回 is used for numbered or scheduled events (meetings, lessons, episodes). この前 is casual and refers to a recent, non-specific past occasion. Using この前 in a formal report would sound out of place.
Avoid directly translating 'last time' as 最後の時間 (saigo no jikan), which means 'the final hour' and is not used for 'the previous occasion'.
最後に日本に行ったのはいつですか？
When was the last time you went to Japan?
この前確認したときはまだありました。
Last time I checked, it was still available.
I called him last time.