終電

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 終電 is read as しゅうでん and is a noun for the last train or subway service departing on a route for the day.
• Basic usage: Missing the last train appears in 終電に乗り遅れる, while checking its departure time appears in 終電の時刻を確認する.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The final rail service of the day
  • It identifies the last departure time or train on a rail service and is not normally the term for the last bus.
• Difference from 最終電車
  • The comparison term is the full expression with the same meaning, while this word is its common shortened form.