Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Last in Spanish: Último, Pasado & Durar
Último · adjective / verb · OOL-tee-moh
Last has three main translations: último = last (final) in a sequence. Pasado = last (most recent) for time. Durar = verb meaning to last (continue for a duration).
OOL-tee-moh (último) · pah-SAH-doh (pasado) · doo-RAHR (durar)
Este es el último capítulo del libro.
This is the last chapter of the book.
Last in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for last, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| último | last | OOL-tee-moh | Default, widely understood |
| pasado | last | last as in most recent (last week = la semana pasada) | |
| durar | last | verb: to last (duration) |
How Native Speakers Use Último
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Final in sequence
Ella fue la última persona en salir del edificio.
She was the last person to leave the building.
Último/última agrees in gender and number.
Most recent
La semana pasada fui al dentista.
Last week I went to the dentist.
Pasado/pasada follows time nouns: el mes pasado, el año pasado.
Duration (verb)
La reunión duró tres horas.
The meeting lasted three hours.
Durar is a regular -ar verb meaning to last or endure.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Último
Using último for last week
Incorrect: La última semana fui al cine.
Correct: La semana pasada fui al cine.
Último = final (end of series). Pasado = most recent. Last week = la semana pasada.
Using lastar as a verb
Incorrect: La película lastó dos horas.
Correct: La película duró dos horas.
Lastar does not exist. The verb meaning to last (duration) is durar.
Lock in Last Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Último used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using último in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Este es el último capítulo del libro. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Last in Spanish
- How do you say last in Spanish?
- Depends on meaning: último (final in sequence), pasado (most recent in time), durar (verb: to last).
- Difference between último and pasado?
- Último = final, at end of series. Pasado = most recent in time.
- How do you say at last in Spanish?
- At last / finally = por fin or al fin. Express relief that something finally happened.