最高
saikō[sa̠iko̞ː]
The English word 'supreme' is translated into Japanese as 最高 (saikō).
最高 is used to denote the highest, utmost or most excellent level of something. It is used both in formal contexts to describe the highest authority, such as in the name of a Supreme Court and in more subjective, everyday contexts to mean 'the best' or 'greatest'.
Meaning: Highest, utmost (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 最高, where 最 means 'most' and 高 means 'high'.
Which one should you use?
While 最高 can be used subjectively to mean 'the best' (for example, saying 'this food is the best'), it is also used in formal legal and administrative contexts to denote the highest authority, such as in 最高裁判所 (Supreme Court).
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the particle に to 最高, it becomes 最高に, which turns the adjective into an adverb used to modify verbs or other adjectives to mean 'supremely', 'most' or 'extremely'.
How do you pronounce it?
saikō
Did you know?
- While 最高 means 'the best', Japanese speakers often avoid using it for people in formal settings to avoid sounding arrogant. They may prefer more humble terms or specific praise to avoid claiming a 'supreme' status for themselves.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'the best' is often expressed through 最高, but the opposite of 'the worst' is not simply a reversal of this word. Instead, speakers use 最低, where 低 means 'low', creating a literal contrast between 'highest' and 'lowest'.
- The kanji 高 used in 最高 also appears in the word for 'expensive' (高い). This creates a linguistic link where things that are 'high' in price are described with the same root as things that are 'supreme' in quality.
Examples in context
- 最高裁は前回の判決を覆した。The Supreme Court overturned a previous decision.This sentence shows the use of 最高 in a legal context regarding the Supreme Court.Tatoeba #1616262 by bunbuku, translation #243948 by CK
- バレット氏は女性として5人目の最高裁判事となる。Mrs. Barrett will become the fifth female Supreme Court justice.This sentence shows the use of 最高 in relation to a Supreme Court justice.Tatoeba #9203168 by cafe, translation #9203197 by cafe
- だが、レーガン政権と最高裁判所に潰される前でさえ、ＯＳＨＡは茶番であった。Even before Reagan and the Supreme Court stifled it, OSHA was a farce.This sentence shows the use of 最高 when referring to the Supreme Court.Tatoeba #74440 by fcbond, translation #329279 by fcbond
- 彼は最高の料理を作ることができる。He can make the best dishes.
- この新しいゲームは超絶面白いよ！This new game is supremely fun!
- 彼女の才能は無上だと言えるでしょう。It can be said that her talent is supreme.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are eating delicious ice cream at a park.
- 蓮 Renこのアイス、本当に美味しいね。Kono aisu, hontou ni oishii ne.This ice cream is really delicious.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、今まで食べた中で最高だよ！Un, ima made tabeta naka de saikou da yo!Yeah, it's the best I've ever had!
- 蓮 Renいい店を見つけたね。Ii mise o mitsuketa ne.You found a great shop.
- 美咲 Misaki最高の気分だわ。Saikou no kibun da wa.I feel supreme.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 最高, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
