What is the Kanji for 'Most'? | 最

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Most', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Most' is 最.

kanji

最

Meaning

Most

Reading

kunyomiもっと

motto

onyomiさい

sai

Parts

曰取Take

Example Word

最初: beginning. The Japanese noun '最初 (さいしょ)' means 'beginning' or 'the first'. It refers to the very start of something, such as an event, process, or period. This word is often used to emphasize the initial stage or point in time. For example: At the beginning, it was difficult「最初は難しかった」(さいしょはむずかしかった). Let's start from the beginning「最初から始めましょう」(さいしょからはじめましょう). It can also be used to describe the first occurrence of something, as in '最初の試み (さいしょのこころみ) (the first attempt)'. Note that '最初' is distinct from '始め (はじめ)', which can also mean 'beginning' but often refers to the start of an action or process rather than a specific point in time.

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

154

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 最

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

component

曰

kanji

取

Meaning

Take

最 As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of one other kanji:

kanji

撮

Meaning

Snapshot, Photograph

Words Using 最

This kanji is used in 19 words:

word

最初

Meaning

Beginning

word

Kanji Related to 最 Through the Part 曰

These 3 kanji contain the part 曰 as well.

kanji

替

Meaning

Replace, Exchange

kanji

更

Meaning

Renew, Grow late

kanji

曹

Meaning

Official

Learn the Kanji 最

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 最 mean?

最 means 'Most'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fourth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.