Translation guide
In Japanese, 'last train' is commonly expressed as 終電 (shuuden), referring to the final train of the day on a given line. It is a compound of 終 (shuu, 'end') and 電 (den, 'train', abbreviation of 電車). This term is widely used in daily conversation and announcements. Alternative expressions include 最終電車 (saishuu densha), which is more formal, and 終列車 (shuuresha) for non-electric trains. When asking about the last train, natural phrases like 終電は何時ですか？ (What time is the last train?) are used.
Expressing the last scheduled train service on a railway line for the day.
The most common and natural way to say 'last train' in Japanese. It is an abbreviation of 最終電車 and is used in everyday conversation.
終電に間に合わなかった。
I missed the last train.
終電は何時ですか？
What time is the last train?
Used specifically for the last train of a non-electric railway line (e.g., diesel or steam). Rare in modern contexts.
To ask 'What time is the last train?', say 終電は何時ですか？ (しゅうでんは なんじですか？). You can specify the line by adding the line name before の, e.g., 山手線の終電は何時ですか？ (What time is the last train on the Yamanote Line?).
While 最終列車 (さいしゅうれっしゃ) is technically correct, it is less common than 終電 and may sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Stick to 終電 for everyday use.
終電に乗らなければならない。
I have to catch the last train.
終電はもう行ってしまった。
The last train has already left.
A more formal and explicit term for 'last train'. Often used in announcements or written notices.
最終電車は23時30分です。
The last train is at 11:30 PM.
この路線の終列車は19時です。
The last train on this line is at 7 PM.