1.
final episode; last installment
The concluding episode of a TV drama, anime, manga series, or other serialized work.
最終回は来週放送される。
The final episode will air next week.
あのドラマの最終回は泣けた。
The final episode of that drama made me cry.
最終回の視聴率が歴代最高を記録した。
The final episode recorded the highest viewership ratings in history.
2.
final round; last inning; last lap
The concluding round, inning, or period of a game, competition, or recurring event.
最終回の攻撃で逆転した。
They made a comeback in the final inning.
試合は最終回に入った。
The game has entered the final inning.
最終回のマウンドには守護神が上がった。
The closer took the mound in the final inning.
A compound of 最終 (final) and 回 (episode, round, installment). Most commonly encountered in entertainment contexts (TV, anime, manga) and in baseball.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 最終回スペシャル: final episode special (extended-length finale)
- 最終回を迎える: to reach the final episode/round
- 最終回放送: final episode broadcast
- 最終回の結末: ending of the final episode
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 最終話: final episode — uses 話 (story/chapter) instead of 回; often used for anime and manga
- 千秋楽: final day of a performance run or sumo tournament — more formal and traditional
- フィナーレ: finale — loanword used for concerts, stage shows, and events