zuìhòu yī míng: 最后一名 - Last Place, The Very Last One

Keywords: zuihou yiming, zuihou yi ming, 最后一名, last place in Chinese, how to say last place in Mandarin, the last one Chinese, finishing last, Chinese competition, Chinese ranking, zuihou yiming meaning, 倒数第一, diandǐ.

Summary: “最后一名” (zuìhòu yī míng) is the direct Chinese term for “last place.” Far more than a simple rank, it carries significant cultural weight in China's highly competitive environment, particularly in education and sports. This page explores the meaning of `最后一名`, its cultural implications related to “face” (面子), and how to use it correctly in conversation. Learn the difference between being the “last one” in line (最后一个) versus finishing last in a race (最后一名) to avoid common mistakes and understand the true context of competition in modern China.

Pinyin (with tone marks): zuìhòu yī míng

Part of Speech: Noun Phrase

HSK Level: N/A (Components are HSK 1-3)

Concise Definition: The person or thing that finishes in the very last position in a competition or ranking.

In a Nutshell: `最后一名` literally translates to “the most behind one position.” It's the standard, unambiguous way to say “last place.” The term often carries a negative connotation due to the intense pressure to succeed in Chinese society. It's not just a statistic; it's a result that can be a source of shame or, in a lighthearted context, a reason for a playful punishment among friends.

最 (zuì): Means