Spanish has two common ways of expressing the idea of "last" as an adjective, and they generally aren't interchangeable.
When referring to something that is the last in a series, último is typically used (with changes for number and gender, of course). Unlike most descriptive adjectives, it is usually placed before the noun it refers to:
When referring to times such as last Tuesday or last year, use pasado or pasada following the time period:
With the use of a definite article, último can also act as a pronoun meaning "the last one" or "the last thing":
Lo último que deseo es enamorarme. The last thing I want is to fall in love. Espero que esta dificultad sea la última. I hope this difficulty is the last.
Keep in mind that último also can have the meaning of the English word "ultimate." Context will nearly always tell you whether "ultimate" or "last" is meant.
When referring to something that is the last in a series, último is typically used (with changes for number and gender, of course). Unlike most descriptive adjectives, it is usually placed before the noun it refers to:
- Era la última carta que escribió a su querida amiga. It was the last latter she wrote to her dear friend.
- Se me ha caÃdo el último diente de leche. My last baby tooth has fallen out.
- El museo tiene los últimos zapatos del Che Guevara. The museum has Che Guevara's last shoes.
- Falleció el último soldado francés que luchó en la Gran Guerra. The last French soldier who fought in World War I has died.
- Aquà puedes descargar las últimos pelÃculas. Here you can download the latest movies.
- Para ver una lista de las últimas páginas que haya visto, haga clic en la pequeña flecha. To see a list of the recent pages you have seen, click on the little arrow.
When referring to times such as last Tuesday or last year, use pasado or pasada following the time period:
- Este artÃculo fue publicado el lunes pasado. This article was published last Monday.
- Triplicamos nuestra ayuda a Haità el año pasado. We tripled our aid to Haiti last year.
- La semana pasada fue muy emocionante. Last week was very thrilling.
With the use of a definite article, último can also act as a pronoun meaning "the last one" or "the last thing":
Keep in mind that último also can have the meaning of the English word "ultimate." Context will nearly always tell you whether "ultimate" or "last" is meant.