How to Say "Greatest" in Japanese

最も偉大な

mottomo idaina

The English phrase "greatest" is translated into Japanese as 最も偉大な (mottomo idaina).

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of 最も, which literally means "most" and is used to form the superlative.

最も偉大な is the formal way to express the superlative. In contrast, 一番偉大な is a more colloquial way to say "the greatest" or "number one greatest."

The phrase 最も偉大な functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun directly.

mottomo idaina

To describe the 'greatness' of a vast landscape or nature, Japanese uses 雄大 (yuudai) instead of 偉大 (idai).
The character 偉 conveys a sense of being 'extraordinary' or even 'supernatural', implying that 'greatness' is a quality that transcends the ordinary human experience.
While 最も偉大な describes greatness in achievement, the word すごい is often used for 'great' in a way that means 'overwhelming' or 'scary'.

シェークスピアは最も偉大な詩人の一人である。
Shakespeare is one of the greatest poets.
This sentence shows how to use 最も偉大な to describe a poet.
Tatoeba #216552 by bunbuku, translation #53856 by CK
リンカーンはアメリカで最も偉大な人物の一人だ。
Lincoln is one of the greatest figures in American history.
This sentence illustrates the use of 最も偉大な when referring to a historical figure.
Tatoeba #192488 by bunbuku, translation #29651 by CM
歴史上最も偉大な作曲家はベートーヴェンだと思っています。
I think Beethoven is the greatest composer who ever lived.
This sentence demonstrates how to use 最も偉大な to express an opinion about a composer.
Tatoeba #158971 by verbum, translation #759714 by spockofvulcan
彼は最高の努力をしています。
He is making the greatest effort.
この映画は最高のエンターテインメントです！
This movie is the greatest entertainment!
彼は最高のリーダーシップを持っています。
He possesses the greatest leadership skills.
彼は最高の成功を収めました
He achieved the greatest success.

Hiyori and Hiroto are discussing their favorite historical leaders.

大翔 Hiroto

君にとって、最も偉大なリーダーは誰？
Kimi ni totte, mottomo idaina rīdā wa dare?
Who is the greatest leader to you?
陽葵 Himari

私は、平和を愛した人が最も偉大だと思うわ。
Watashi wa, heiwa o aishita hito ga mottomo idai da to omou wa.
I think people who loved peace were the greatest.
大翔 Hiroto

それはいい考えだね。
Sore wa ii kangae da ne.
That's a good way of thinking.
陽葵 Himari

大翔はどう思う？
Hiroto wa dō omou?
What do you think, Hiroto?

Sources

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