音読み: サイ
訓読み: もっとも
画数: 12 strokes
部首: 曰（ひらび）
Meaning
Most / Extreme / Superlative / Best — This character emphasizes the highest degree or limit of something.
- 最も — most / extremely
- 最後 — last
- 最高 — the best / maximum
- 最新 — newest
- 最小 — smallest
- 最大 — largest
- 最愛 — beloved
最 is made of components that suggest grasping or extracting meaning. It expresses reaching the peak or maximum degree. It's one of the most frequently used kanji in Japanese ranking, evaluation, or preference contexts.
最も大切なのは 健康です。
The most important thing is health.
最初に自己紹介をします。
I will introduce myself first.
このレストランは 最高でした！
This restaurant was the best!
🎧 Listen to the Japanese and English voice guides for this kanji.