Definitions
(adverb)
most; the most; -est (superlative suffix)
About
The character 最 originated from an ancient depiction of a hand removing an item from a helmet, symbolizing the concept of gathering or accumulation, with its structure eventually settling into the now-familiar arrangement of 曰 over 取. While its early usage centered on the action of collecting, the meaning gradually evolved to emphasize the result of such aggregation, leading to its adoption as a term for the highest degree or extent. This transformation in meaning, where the notion of assembled totality came to represent superlative quality, established 最 as the primary grammatical marker for expressing superiority in modern Chinese.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我最喜欢苹果。
今天是最热的一天。
这本书最有意思。
我最想去的地方是北京。
你最喜欢什么颜色？
我认为学习中文最有趣。
在所有的比赛中，他跑得最快。
尽管天气不好，但我们玩得最开心。