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N3

Kanji 最: meanings, readings, and example words.

2 min read

Kanji 最: utmost, most, extreme

Key takeaways

Kanji 最: utmost, most, extreme. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

N3

Meaning

utmostmostextreme

On reading

サイシュ

Kun reading

もっと.もつま

Radical

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 最

utmost, most, extreme

Kanji structure breakdown

Structure breakdown

日 + 取

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

This kanji depicts reaching so high that one can take (取) the sun (日) from the sky. It represents reaching the highest level or being 'the most' or 'the best' in a certain quality.

On'yomi and kun'yomi

On reading

サイ
  • 最善さいぜん

    best / optimal / most favorable

  • 最高さいこう

    highest / supreme / best

  • 最終さいしゅう

    last / final / closing

  • 最中さいちゅう

    in the middle of / during / while

  • 最低さいてい

    least / lowest / worst

  • 最近さいきん

    recent / latest / nowadays

  • 最後さいご

    last / final / end

  • 最初さいしょ

    beginning / first

Kun reading

もっと.も
  • 最ももっとも

    most / extremely / highest degree

Commonly used words

  • 最善
    さいぜん

    best / optimal / most favorable

  • 最高
    さいこう

    highest / supreme / best

  • 最終
    さいしゅう

    last / final / closing

  • 最中
    さいちゅう

    in the middle of / during / while

  • 最低
    さいてい

    least / lowest / worst

  • 最近
    さいきん

    recent / latest / nowadays

  • 最も
    もっとも

    most / extremely / highest degree

Example sentences

Example 1

成功するために善を尽くそう。

Translation

Let's do our best to succeed.

Example 2

これは善の方法だと思います。

Translation

I think this is the best method.

Example 3

彼はもはや来ないと思う。

Translation

I think he won’t come anymore.

Example 4

もはや遅すぎて間に合わない。

Translation

It’s already too late to make it in time.

Kanji 最: utmost, most, extreme | Daily Nihongo