dernier
/dɛʁ.nje/
The French word dernier means 'last' or 'latest' in English.
dernier is used to refer to the final item in a series or the most recent one to occur.
Which one should you use?
When placed before a noun, dernier often means 'most recent' (for example, la dernière fois refers to the most recent time). When placed after a noun, it emphasizes the 'final' item in a sequence.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use dernier for the masculine singular, dernière for the feminine singular, derniers for the masculine plural and dernières for the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /dɛʁ.nje/.
Did you know?
- In certain French expressions, le dernier cri translates literally to 'the last cry', but it is actually a common way to say 'the latest fashion' or 'the newest gadget'.
- The word dernier was not always its own distinct form but evolved from the Old French derrain because people wanted it to sound more like premier.
- While 'dernier' means 'last' in a sequence, French uses the word ultime for things that are truly final or absolute, such as a 'last resort' (ultime recours).
Examples in context
- Le dernier article de la loi.The last article of the law.
- Le dernier film que j'ai vu était génial!The last movie I watched was awesome!
- C'est le dernier en date de ses nombreux romans.This is the latest of his many novels.
- La dernière chansonThe last song – feminine singular
- Les derniers livresThe last books – masculine plural
- Mon dernier voyage en France était inoubliable.My last trip to France was unforgettable.
- Qui est le dernier arrivé?Who is the last one to arrive?
- J'ai lu le dernier roman de cet auteur renommé.I read the latest novel by this renowned author.
- Le dernier métro part à minuit.The last subway departs at midnight.
- C'est mon dernier avertissement.It is my last warning.
- Quel est le dernier film que tu as vu ?What is the last movie you saw?
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are talking about their recent activities.
- ChloéTu as aimé ton dernier voyage ?Did you like your last trip?
- HugoOui, c'était magnifique.Yes, it was magnificent.
- ChloéOù est-ce que tu es allé ?Where did you go?
- HugoJe suis allé en Italie.I went to Italy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dernier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dernier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
