최고
choego[ˈt͡ɕʰwe̞(ː)ɡo̞]
The English phrase 'the best' is translated into Korean as 최고 (choego).
최고 refers to the highest quality or the most excellent of a group. While it can be used in a comparative sense, it is very commonly used as an exclamation to express high praise or approval for someone or something.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech, the noun 최고 is often followed by the informal copula –야 to form 최고야, meaning 'is the best'. To say 'is the best' in a polite, standard way, use the form 최고예요.
How do you pronounce it?
choego
Did you know?
- In a legal context, 최고 is a technical term for a 'formal demand', turning a word of praise into a serious legal notification.
- In Korean social dynamics, calling a superior 최고 can sometimes be seen as too casual or flattering, even if intended as a sincere compliment.
- While 최고 means 'the best', it is often used in a playful, exaggerated way among friends that can border on sarcasm if the tone is overly dramatic.
Examples in context
- 엄마가 최고야!Mom's the best!This sentence shows how to use 최고 to praise a person.Tatoeba #8383955 by Eunhee, translation #8850113 by alpucca
- 아빠가 최고야!Dad's the best!Tatoeba #8383956 by Eunhee, translation #8850114 by alpucca
- 우리 레스토랑이 최고다.Our restaurant is the best.This sentence shows how to use 최고 to describe the quality of a business.Tatoeba #11106372 by intertime, translation #431117 by CM
- 이 음식은 정말 최고야!This food is really the best!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are eating cake at a cafe.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 케이크 진짜 최고다!I keikeu jinja choegoda!This cake is seriously the best!
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아, 여기가 제일 유명해.Maja, yeogiga jeil yumyeonghae.True, this place is the most famous.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈이가 고른 곳이 최고네.Subini-ga goreun gosi choegone.The place you picked, Subin, is the best.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워, 지훈아!Gomawo, Jihun-a!Thanks, Jihoon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 최고, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 최고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
