最後の一つ
saigo no hitotsu
In Japanese, "last one" can be expressed in several ways depending on the situation, with the default form being 最後の一つ (saigo no hitotsu).
The phrase is used to denote the final item remaining in a sequence or a specific group.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 最後の一つ is composed of 最後 (saigo), meaning 'last' or 'end', the particle の (no), meaning 'of' and 一つ (hitotsu), meaning 'one' when counting objects.
Which one should you use?
最後の一つ refers to the final item in a sequence. 最後のやつ is a more casual way to refer to a person or a thing. とっておき is used specifically for a 'special last one' that is being saved for a special occasion or the final moment.
How do you pronounce it?
saigo no hitotsu
Did you know?
- When referring to the 'last one' of something long and thin, such as a cigarette or a pen, you switch from 一つ to 一本 (ippon). Using the wrong counter can make your sentence sound physically confusing to a native speaker.
- The word 最後 (saigo) is often used in the phrase 最後にする to mean 'to make this the last time'. It is a common way to express the intention of quitting a bad habit or ending a relationship.
- In a Japanese shop, you might not see 最後の一つ on a label, but rather the word 残り (nokori). This literally means 'the remainder' and is the standard way to signal that only a few items are left in stock.
Examples in context
- あれが、最後の一つだったのに。That was the last one.This sentence is useful for expressing that something was the last one.Tatoeba #11619496 by small_snow, translation #8590917 by maaster
- 「それは最後のものですので、お早めにご利用ください。」Since it is the last one, please make use of it as soon as possible.
- 「最後の一つは特別な価値があります。」The last one has special value.
- 「これが最後のやつだから、気をつけて使ってね。」This is the last one, so use it carefully.
- 最後の一つを、君にあげるよ。Saigo no hitotsu o, kimi ni ageru yo.I will give the last one to you.
- これが最後の一つです。Kore ga saigo no hitotsu desu.This is the last one.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at a box of donuts in a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta最後の一つ、食べてもいい？Saigo no hitotsu, tabete mo ii?Can I eat the last one?
- 美咲 Misaki健太君なら、いいよ。Kenta-kun nara, ii yo.If it's you, Kenta, it's okay.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、美咲。遠慮なく食べるね。Arigatou, Misaki. Enryo naku taberu ne.Thanks, Misaki. I'll eat it without hesitation.
- 美咲 Misakiおいしそうだね。Oishisou da ne.It looks delicious.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
