前回
zenkai[d͡zẽ̞ŋka̠i]
In Japanese, "last time" is expressed as 前回 (zenkai).
前回 refers to the most recent occasion that an event occurred, often translated as "previous time."
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the different ways to say "last." Use 前回 to refer to the "previous time" in a sequence of events. If you want to refer to the very last one in a series or the end of something, use 最後.
How do you pronounce it?
zenkai
Did you know?
- The word 回 in 前回 is a pictograph that originally represented a circle or a rotation, reflecting the idea of a recurring cycle rather than a linear timeline.
- While 前回 is standard, in casual conversation people often say この前, which literally translates to 'this front' to mean 'the other day'.
- The counter character 回 in 前回 is also used to count how many times you have completed a repetitive action, such as how many times you have visited a city.
Examples in context
- 前回パンを焼いたのはいつ？When was the last time you baked bread?This sentence is useful for asking about the last time someone performed an action, such as baking bread, using 前回.Tatoeba #11555209 by small_snow, translation #10684253 by CK
- 前回車を洗ったのって、いつ？When was last time you washed your car?This sentence is useful for asking about the last time someone performed an action, such as washing a car, using 前回.Tatoeba #11557578 by small_snow, translation #5852437 by CK
- 前回雨が降ったのって、いつ？When was the last time it rained?This sentence is useful for asking about the last time a weather event occurred, such as rain, using 前回.Tatoeba #11801334 by small_snow, translation #11136708 by ddnktr
- 前回のミーティングは非常に成功しました。The last meeting was very successful.
- この前の飲み会、すごく楽しかったよ！The last drinking party was so much fun!
- 前回の映画は本当に面白かった！The movie from last time was really interesting!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a movie they have both seen.
- 大翔 Hiroto前回見た時、どう思った？zenkai mita toki, dou omotta?What did you think when you saw it last time?
- 結衣 Yuiすごく感動したよ。sugoku kandou shita yo.I was very moved.
- 大翔 Hiroto前回より面白かったかな。zenkai yori omoshirokatta kana.I wonder if it was more interesting than last time.
- 結衣 Yuiたぶんそうだと思う。tabun sou da to omou.I think so, probably.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 前回, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
