I ran into him at the station the other day.
What happened with that matter we discussed earlier?
last time; the previous occasion
Points to the most recent instance of a recurring event or action. Often used with の to modify a noun.
At the last meeting, the new proposal was approved.
It didn't go well last time, but this time it'll be fine.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
last (Sunday, summer, etc.); previous (mayor, chapter); preceding
Attaches directly to a time noun or ordinal noun to mean 'the one just before now'. Common with days of the week, seasons, and sequential items.
Last Sunday was rainy.
As explained in the previous chapter, the problem is complex.
Last Sunday, I watched a movie with a friend.
The last time I saw him, he seemed to be doing well.
The other day, I dropped my wallet at the station.
I've had a headache continuing since the other day.
前回 objectively marks 'the previous time' in a series of events (like meetings), whereas この前 is more conversational and can also just mean 'recently'.
以前 refers to some unspecified time in the past without implying recency, while この前 specifically points to a recent occasion.
Standard spelling; the most common written form.
Rarely used kanji form; learners should recognize but not actively use.
Compound of この (this) and 前 (before, front). Literally 'this before', it naturally developed the meaning 'the recent past' or 'the previous one'.