dernier
/dɛʁ.nje/
The English word "last" is translated as dernier in French.
The word dernier is an adjective meaning "final". It can also be used to refer to the end of a series. If you want to express the adverbial meaning of "after everything else" or "lastly" in a sequence of actions, use the phrase en dernier or the adverb finalement. Note that the French verb durer means "to endure" or "to continue over time".
Meaning: final (adj)
Which one should you use?
When placed before a noun, dernier functions as an adjective meaning "the last/final one in a series". In contrast, en dernier is used to mean "at the end" or "lastly" when describing a sequence of actions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use dernière for feminine singular nouns, derniers for masculine plural nouns and dernières for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /dɛʁ.nje/.
Did you know?
- In French, the expression le dernier cri literally translates to 'the last cry'. It is used to describe the very latest fashion trend or the most cutting-edge technology.
- The word dernier was once written as derrenier in Old French. This change happened because speakers subconsciously modeled the word after premier, its natural opposite.
- While English uses 'last' for both the most recent and the final item, French often distinguishes these. Using dernier before a noun usually means 'the most recent', while placing it after the noun can mean 'the final one'.
Examples in context
- Es-tu le dernier ?Are you the last one?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is the dernier.Tatoeba #13449599 by sacredceltic, translation #9392572 by CK
- Il a ri le dernier.He had the last laugh.This sentence is useful for illustrating a figurative use of dernier.Tatoeba #2069560 by sacredceltic, translation #1852175 by Chrikaru
- Tom est le dernier.Tom is last.This sentence is useful for stating that a person is the dernier.Tatoeba #9311619 by Micsmithel, translation #2236751 by CK
- La dernière fois que j'ai visité Paris, c'était en 2019.The last time I visited Paris was in 2019.
- Les derniers résultats du sondage sont encourageants.The latest survey results are encouraging.
- La dernière séance du congrès aura lieu demain.The final session of the congress will take place tomorrow.
- Les dernières nouvelles que j'ai entendues ne sont pas bonnes.The latest news I heard is not good.
- J'ai vu Marie, Pauline, puis toi en dernier.I saw Marie, then Pauline, and finally you.
- J'ai vu un excellent film dernièrement.I saw an excellent movie lately.
- L'événement était génial, mais les feux d'artifice à la toute fin étaient époustouflants !The event was fantastic, but the fireworks at the very end were breathtaking!
- 722 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are finishing a meal at a restaurant.
- LéaVoulez-vous un dernier dessert ?Do you want one last dessert?
- GabrielNon merci, je n'ai plus faim.No thank you, I am not hungry anymore.
- LéaC'est le dernier gâteau sur le plateau.It is the last cake on the tray.
- GabrielAlors, je vais le goûter !Then, I will taste it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “last” translations and entries dernier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dernier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
