最高
saikō[sa̠iko̞ː]
The English word 'best' is translated into Japanese as 最高 (saikō).
最高 is used as the superlative of the adjective 'good' to mean 'the best'. In colloquial conversation, it also functions as an exclamation meaning 'awesome' or 'great!'
Meaning: superlative of the adjective good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji for 'most' (最) and 'high' (高), literally meaning 'highest' or 'most high'.
Which one should you use?
While 最高 refers to being the best in terms of quality or state, the katakana word ベスト is used specifically when talking about 'one's best effort', such as in the phrase ベストを尽くす. Additionally, 最もうまく serves as the superlative for the adverb 'well'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To use the phrase in a polite or formal context, add です after the word to form 最高です.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech, the adjective is often followed by the copula だ to complete the sentence, forming 最高だ.
How do you pronounce it?
saikō
Did you know?
- While 最高 means 'the best', the word 最低 uses the same prefix for 'most' but the kanji for 'low' to mean 'the worst'. It is often used to describe a person's terrible behavior rather than just low quality.
- In modern slang, the word 最高 can be used ironically to describe a situation that is so bad it is almost funny or absurd.
- The kanji for 'high' (高) in 最高 is the same character used in the word for 'expensive' (高い), linking the concept of 'the best' to 'high' prices in a way English does not.
Examples in context
- 君は最高だリサ！You're the best, Lisa!This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is the best using 最高.Tatoeba #8736619 by small_snow, translation #8348622 by Ricardo14
- これが最高なんだ。This is the best.This sentence is useful for stating that something is the best using 最高.Tatoeba #218919 by bunbuku, translation #1898091 by CK
- このビール最高だね。This beer is the best.This sentence is useful for saying a beer is the best using 最高.Tatoeba #9037446 by small_snow, translation #8989190 by CK
- このレストランのサービスは最高です。The service at this restaurant is the best.
- 彼女は最高の上司です。She is the best boss.
- 彼は一番のスポーツ選手です。He is the best sports player.
- この映画、一番おもしろいよ。This movie is the best (funniest).
- 一番好きな食べ物は何ですか？What is your favorite food? (What's the best food you like?)
- 彼の料理、ウマすぎ！His cooking is the best (super delicious)!
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hina and Kenta are eating cake at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himariこのケーキ、最高に美味しいね！Kono kēki, saikō ni oishii ne!This cake tastes the best!
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。ここの店は最高だね。Hontō da. Koko no mise wa saikō da ne.You're right. This shop is the best.
- 陽葵 Himari健太のおすすめで正解だったよ。Kenta no osusume de seikai datta yo.It was the right choice to follow your recommendation, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaよかった。また来よう。Yokatta. Mata koyō.I'm glad. Let's come again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 最高, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
