última vez
last time
Use 'última vez' to reference the most recent point in time an action occurred in any context.
En 15 secondes
- Refers to the most recent or final occurrence of an event.
- Always use the feminine 'última' because 'vez' is a feminine noun.
- Commonly followed by 'que' to introduce a specific action or memory.
Signification
This phrase refers to the most recent time something happened or the final time an event will ever occur.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Catching up with a friend
A última vez que nos vimos foi no Natal.
The last time we saw each other was at Christmas.
At a doctor's appointment
A última vez que tomei o remédio foi às oito horas.
The last time I took the medicine was at eight o'clock.
Texting about a restaurant
Da última vez, a comida estava melhor.
Last time, the food was better.
Contexte culturel
In Lusophone cultures, 'última vez' is often used with a touch of nostalgia (saudade) or dramatic flair. While it literally translates to 'last time,' it carries weight in social circles as a way to anchor memories and shared experiences. In Brazil specifically, saying it's the 'last time' you'll do something is a common hyperbolic expression of temporary frustration.
The Gender Rule
Always remember 'vez' is feminine. Even if you are a man, you must say 'a última vez' and never 'o último vez'.
Don't confuse with 'Ultimamente'
If you want to say 'Lately, I've been tired,' use 'Ultimamente.' 'Última vez' requires a specific event in the past.
En 15 secondes
- Refers to the most recent or final occurrence of an event.
- Always use the feminine 'última' because 'vez' is a feminine noun.
- Commonly followed by 'que' to introduce a specific action or memory.
What It Means
Última vez is your go-to phrase for looking back. It simply means "last time." You use it to talk about the most recent occurrence of an event. It can also mean the absolute final time something happens. It is a bridge between your past experiences and your current conversation.
How To Use It
You usually pair it with the preposition a. For example, you say a última vez. It often starts a sentence to set the scene. You can follow it with que to add more detail. For instance, A última vez que comi pizza foi ontem. It works perfectly with past tenses like the Pretérito Perfeito. Just remember that última is feminine because vez is a feminine noun.
When To Use It
Use it when reminiscing with friends about a trip. Use it at the doctor to explain when symptoms started. It is perfect for professional follow-ups about previous meetings. You will hear it in songs about lost loves and final goodbyes. It is essential for tracking habits or checking your schedule. Use it whenever you need to pinpoint a specific point in the past.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you mean "the previous one" in a sequence of many. In those cases, anterior might be more precise. Avoid using it for "lately" or "recently." For those, use ultimamente or recentemente instead. Don't confuse it with pela última vez if you just mean "lastly." Pela última vez carries a heavy tone of finality or frustration. It sounds like a parent losing patience with a child!
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value storytelling and shared history. Starting a story with A última vez que... is a classic conversation starter. It invites the listener into your personal timeline. In Brazil, people might use it to exaggerate for dramatic effect. "It's the last time I'm doing this!" usually means they'll do it again next week. It reflects a culture that is expressive and deeply connected to memories.
Common Variations
Pela última vez means "for the last time" and sounds very firm. Da última vez means "from/on the last time" and is used for comparisons. You might hear A última vez em que... in more formal writing. In slang, some might just say A última if the context of vez is obvious. Mais uma última vez is the classic "one more last time" used by party-goers. It is the universal lie we tell ourselves at 2 AM!
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into any register. The most important thing is noun-adjective agreement (feminine).
The Gender Rule
Always remember 'vez' is feminine. Even if you are a man, you must say 'a última vez' and never 'o último vez'.
Don't confuse with 'Ultimamente'
If you want to say 'Lately, I've been tired,' use 'Ultimamente.' 'Última vez' requires a specific event in the past.
The 'Last' Drink
In Brazil, 'a saideira' is the 'last' drink at a bar. People often say 'a última vez' before ordering three more 'saideiras'!
Exemples
6A última vez que nos vimos foi no Natal.
The last time we saw each other was at Christmas.
Uses 'que' to connect the phrase to a specific event.
A última vez que tomei o remédio foi às oito horas.
The last time I took the medicine was at eight o'clock.
Provides a precise timestamp for medical history.
Da última vez, a comida estava melhor.
Last time, the food was better.
Uses 'Da' (de + a) to compare a previous experience to now.
Vou falar pela última vez: arrume o seu quarto!
I'm going to say this for the last time: clean your room!
'Pela última vez' adds a sense of finality and authority.
Esta é a última vez que eu bebo tequila, eu juro!
This is the last time I drink tequila, I swear!
Classic hyperbolic use common in social settings.
Olhei para o jardim pela última vez antes de partir.
I looked at the garden for the last time before leaving.
Conveys a sense of finality and emotional weight.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition and article to complete the sentence.
___ última vez que viajei, fui para Lisboa.
The word 'vez' is feminine, so it requires the feminine definite article 'a'.
Complete the phrase to mean 'For the last time'.
Eu te aviso ___ última vez: não faça isso.
'Pela última vez' is the standard expression for 'for the last time' when giving a warning.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'última vez'
Talking to friends about the last party.
A última vez foi legal!
Standard daily usage in any context.
Qual foi a última vez?
Reporting facts in a meeting or document.
A última vez em que houve lucro...
Where to use 'última vez'
Doctor's Office
Last time I felt pain.
With Friends
Last time we hung out.
At Work
Last time the system updated.
Self-Reflection
Last time I went to the gym.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is completely neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without changing the phrase.
Use pela última vez. For example: Pela última vez, desligue a TV!
Not usually. For a list of points, use por último or finalmente instead of última vez.
Because the noun vez (time/occasion) is feminine in Portuguese. Adjectives must match the gender of the noun.
A última vez is usually the subject or a direct reference, while da última vez means 'on the last occasion' (of the last time).
You say: Quando foi a última vez? It's a very common question in Portuguese.
Not exactly a slang word, but people often shorten it to just a última if the context is clear, like when talking about a round of drinks.
Yes, if you are planning a final event. Esta será a última vez que viremos aqui (This will be the last time we come here).
No. You can say A última vez foi ótima (The last time was great) without using que.
Learners often use the masculine último vez. Always check that 'a' at the end of última!
Expressions liées
da próxima vez
next time
mais uma vez
once more / again
de vez em quando
from time to time
pela primeira vez
for the first time
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