最終

• Reading: さいしゅう
• Romaji: saishuu
• Kanji breakdown: 最 (sai) — most, utmost; 終 (shuu) — end, finish
• Pronunciation: /sa.i.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Last; final; closing. The very end of a series or sequence.

A noun and adjectival modifier indicating the final item in a sequence. Extremely common in daily life: 最終電車 (last train), 最終回 (final episode), 最終日 (last day), 最終的に (ultimately, in the end). One of the most practical words for daily life in Japan.

Examples

1. 最終電車に乗り遅れないように急いだ。 I collected insects during summer vacation.
2. ドラマの最終回がとても感動的だった。 I'm collecting plants in the mountains for research.
3. 最終的にはみんなで話し合って決めた。 Collecting shellfish is prohibited in this area.

Usage Guide

Context: transportation, entertainment, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 最 (most, utmost) and 終 (end, finish). Literally 'the most end,' emphasizing the absolute finality of something in a sequence.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal