最終日
saishūbi
The English phrase "last day" can be translated into Japanese as 最終日 (saishūbi).
最終日 is a commonly used expression when referring to the final day of an event, project or program.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 最終 (saishū), meaning 'final/last' and 日 (bi), meaning 'day'.
Which one should you use?
While 最終日 refers to the final day of a specific period or event, 最後の日 is more general and can refer to the final day of a person's life or a more abstract 'last day'.
How do you pronounce it?
saishūbi
Did you know?
- The term 最終 is frequently used to describe the 'last train' of the night, known as 最終電車. In Japanese films, this specific term is often used as a trope to symbolize a character's isolation or a major turning point in their life.
- Japanese strictly distinguishes between 'last' as 'final in a sequence' and 'last' as 'most recent'. Using 最終日 to mean the 'most recent day' is a mistake because it only implies an absolute conclusion.
- Using 最終日 to describe a person's death would sound strangely clinical, as if their passing were a scheduled event or a project deadline.
Examples in context
- 明日が最終日だと思うと寂しいなあ。It saddens me to think that tomorrow is the last day.This sentence shows how to express feelings of sadness regarding the approaching 最終日.Tatoeba #3165651 by tommy_san, translation #10070072 by tsp_2
- 会議の 最終日 は予定通りに行われました。The last day of the conference proceeded as planned.
- 高校生活の 終わりの日 を友達と一緒に過ごした。I spent the last day of my high school life with my friends.
- 今日がイベントの最終日です。Kyou ga ibento no saishuubi desu.Today is the last day of the event.
- 旅行の最終日はどこへ行きますか？Ryokou no saishuubi wa doko e ikimasu ka?Where are you going on the last day of your trip?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their upcoming summer vacation.
- 結衣 Yui旅行の最終日は何をする予定？Ryokou no saishuubi wa nani o suru yotei?What are your plans for the last day of the trip?
- 大翔 Hiroto最終日はゆっくり買い物をするつもりだよ。Saishuubi wa yukkuri kaimono o suru tsumori da yo.I plan to spend the last day shopping leisurely.
- 結衣 Yuiいいなあ、私もそうしたい！Ii naa, watashi mo sou shitai!That sounds nice, I want to do that too!
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣も一緒にどう？Yui mo issho ni dou?How about joining us, Yui?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
