最後
saigo[sa̠iɡo̞]
In Japanese, 'last' can be expressed as 最後 (saigo). If unsure, use 最後. Wiktionary also lists 最終的 (saishūteki).
Meaning: final (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 最後 | saigo | [sa̠iɡo̞] (narrow) |
| 最終的 | saishūteki | [sa̠iɕɨːte̞kʲi] (narrow) |
The term refers to something that is final in a sequence or is the very end of a series. It is important to distinguish this meaning from the English verb 'to last' (meaning to endure or continue), which is expressed by the Japanese verbs 続く or 継続する.
Which one should you use?
最後 is used as a noun or adjective to mean 'the last one' or 'the end' in a sequence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the particle に to 最後, you create the adverbial form 最後に, which means 'lastly' or 'finally'.
How do you pronounce it?
saigo
Did you know?
- In Japanese, there is a distinction between 'the last one in a series' and 'the most recent one'. If you want to say 'last week', you do not use 最後 but rather 先週.
- In Japanese storytelling, the 最後 or conclusion often avoids a definitive resolution, preferring a lingering feeling known as 'yohaku' or empty space.
- Using 最後 to mean 'the end' can sometimes sound quite dramatic or heavy, almost as if implying a permanent or terminal conclusion.
Examples in context
- これが最後だ。This is the last one.This sentence shows how to use 最後 to indicate the final item in a set.Tatoeba #10910928 by SomeHungryBois, translation #2892258 by CK
- これで最後だよ。This is the last time.This sentence demonstrates using 最後 to refer to the last time something occurs.Tatoeba #10183721 by bunbuku, translation #56235 by CK
- 彼女は最後にきた。She came last.This sentence illustrates using 最後 to describe someone arriving at the end of a sequence.Tatoeba #89937 by bunbuku, translation #313778 by CK
- 148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are eating a box of chocolates.
- 健太 Kentaあ、もう一つだけあるよ。A, mou hitotsu dake aru yo.Oh, there is only one left.
- 美咲 Misakiそれが最後の一つだね。Sore ga saigo no hitotsu da ne.That's the last one, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta美咲が食べていいよ。Misaki ga tabete ii yo.You can have it, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、いただきます！Arigato, itadakimasu!Thank you, I'll eat it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “last” translations and entries 最後, 最終的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
