"Mi mendis la lastan libron."

Translation: I ordered the last book.

[jimnice]

Does this mean the last available book or the most recent? Or both?

[salivanto]

Since a few people are asking this same question, I'll take a crack at answering even though the question is a year old.

My sense is that it means the final book in some series. It could be, for example, the third book in a series. It could also be the final book on a list of books. (Here are six random book titles, I ordered the last one.)

The meaning "final book available" is possible, but less likely. In that case you'd be more likely to say "La lastan ekzempleron" - the last copy.

As for "latest book", my sense is that lasta has this meaning only in relation to time expressions (e.g. la lastan lundon - last Monday). If you wanted to say you bought the latest book, you should say "... la plej lastatempan libron" or similar.

[Jetison333]

Thanks for all yout comments, they are always very informative :)

[salivanto]

Nedankinde. I never know who's reading them. It's nice to hear that it helps.

[phle70]

Maybe even "the last" as in "the last (in a series)"?

[deactivated user]

I believe it could mean both

[Brauxljo]

Is latest book acceptable?

[Rippler]

Every time I see "mendis", I see "Mend". What's the etymology of "mendis" so I can remember it better?

[Rae.F]

It shares a root with the English "mandate" (also demand, remand, command). It's from the Latin.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mandate

[Rippler]

That works. Thanks!

[Cavman144]

me too.

[vanof]

Damn you amazon... I'm ordering my last book. No more. You always get my money.

[Cavman144]

I put in: "the final book", and duo accepted it.

[gmaf12]

Why not "I asked for" instead of "ordered"?

[salivanto]

peti = to ask for

mendi = to order

[Cymno]

Has nothing to do with the Etymology, but 'mendi' reminds me of the Lojban word 'minde' which similarly means 'to order' or 'command'

[AANickFan]

Um, Duolingo... I haven't even learned past tense yet.