最後

• Reading: さいご
• Romaji: saigo
• Kanji breakdown: 最 (sai) — most, utmost; 後 (go) — after, behind
• Pronunciation: /saː.ɡo/

Meaning

End; last; conclusion. The very final point of something.

The natural counterpart to 最初 (saisho, first). Used as a noun and adverb. Common expressions include 最後に (saigo ni, lastly), 最後まで (saigo made, until the end). Carries a sense of finality stronger than 終わり (owari).

Examples

1. 最後の質問に答えてください。 Please answer the last question.
2. 最後まであきらめないでください。 Please don't give up until the very end.
3. これが最後のチャンスです。 This is your last chance.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, instructions, storytelling

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese roots, combining 最 (most, utmost) and 後 (after, behind). Together they express the very last or final point.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal