adjective / adverb / noun HSK 3
Traditional 最後
final · last · finally · in the end · at last
Meaning
最后 means 'last' or 'final' when describing position in a sequence, and 'finally' or 'in the end' when describing time. It's one of the most common ways to express conclusion or finality in Chinese. Can modify nouns (the last day) or function as an adverb at the beginning of a sentence (finally, we arrived).
Usage
Native speakers use 最后 frequently in both spoken and written Chinese. As an adjective it comes before the noun (最后一天 'the last day'). As an adverb meaning 'finally', it typically appears at the start of a sentence or clause to introduce a concluding event or statement. Often paired with 终于 (zhōngyú) for emphasis.
Examples
- 01这是我最后一次警告你。.This is my last warning to you.
- 02我们找了很久，最后在桌子下面找到了钥匙。, .We searched for a long time, and finally found the keys under the table.
Characters
Common collocations
- 最后一次the last time
- 最后的机会the last chance
- 到最后in the end, until the end
- 最后决定final decision
Antonyms
Origin
Literally combines 最 'most' with 后 'after/behind' to mean 'most after' or 'most behind', hence 'last' or 'final'.