最も
mottomo[mo̞t̚to̞mo̞]
In Japanese, 'most' can be expressed using several forms, with the default form being 最も (mottomo). Wiktionary also lists 一番 (ichiban) and 最 (sai-).
Meaning: forming the superlative (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 最も | mottomo | [mo̞t̚to̞mo̞] (narrow) | |
| 一番 | ichiban | [it͡ɕibã̠ɴ] (narrow) [ib̚b̥ã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
|
| 最 | sai- | [ka̠na̠me̞] (narrow) [sa̠i] (narrow) |
Sino Japanese, prefix |
The phrase is used to form the superlative of an adjective or adverb. While 最も acts strictly as an adverb, 一番 can also function as a noun meaning 'number one' or 'the best'. For expressing the largest number of something, you can use 最も or 一番たくさん. To refer to a majority of something, use 大部分.
Which one should you use?
最も is a strict adverb, whereas 一番 can also serve as a noun meaning 'number one'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The Sino-Japanese prefix 最 can be attached to Sino-Japanese nouns to form superlative adjectives, such as in the word for the highest or best.
How do you pronounce it?
mottomo
Did you know?
- The prefix 最 is specifically used with Sino-Japanese words, which are words derived from Chinese, rather than native Japanese words.
- The word 一番 can be used to describe a first-time experience or the very first person to do something, not just the 'most' of a quality.
- The character 番 in 一番 is historically linked to the word for 'pair' or 'couple'.
Examples in context
- この本が一番面白い。This book is the most interesting.This sentence shows how to use 一番.Tatoeba #219673 by bunbuku, translation #4461729 by CK
- 一番高いのにします。I'll take the most expensive one.This sentence demonstrates using 一番.Tatoeba #9149298 by small_snow, translation #8305376 by AlanF_US
- 彼が一番成功しそうだ。He is most likely to succeed.This sentence illustrates the use of 一番.Tatoeba #120637 by bunbuku, translation #283371 by CK
- 多くの場合、雨が降ります。Most of the time, it rains.
- ほとんどの都市で公共交通機関が整備されています。Most cities have developed public transportation systems.
- ほとんどの人がその映画を見たことがあります。Most people have seen that movie.
- だいたいの人はその意見に同意していました。Most people agreed with that opinion.
- ほぼ全部の人がそのニュースに驚きました。Almost everyone was surprised by that news.
- ほぼ全部の時間を勉強に費やしました。I spent most of my time studying.
- 182 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about their favorite seasons.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、どの季節が最も好きですか。Himari-san wa, dono kisetsu ga mottomo suki desu ka.Himari, which season do you like the most?
- 陽葵 Himari私は秋が最も好きです。Watashi wa aki ga mottomo suki desu.I like autumn the most.
- 健太 Kenta秋の何が最もいいと思いますか。Aki no nani ga mottomo ii to omoimasu ka.What do you think is the best thing about autumn?
- 陽葵 Himari紅葉が最も美しいと思います。Kōyō ga mottomo utsukushii to omoimasu.I think the autumn leaves are the most beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “most” translations and entries 最も, 一番, 最, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 一番, 最, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
