Japanese word

最上

Pronunciation

Romajisaijō

Meaning

  • nountop

Example

これは最上の品質です。ko re wa sai jō no hin shitsu de su

This is top quality.

Illustration for 最上 (top)

More examples

この賞は、長年努力してきた彼にとって最上の喜びです。ko no shō wa naga nen do ryoku shi te ki ta kare ni to tte sai jō no yoroko bi de su

This award is the greatest joy for him after years of hard work.

Core concept

Describes a person or thing as occupying the highest position or showing the finest quality within a comparison.

Common phrases

  • 最上の品質sai jō no hin shitsu

    top quality

  • 最上の栄誉sai jō no ei yo

    the highest honor

Similar words

最高saikō: The highest degree, level, or quality within a range.
極上gokujō: Extremely high quality, especially in goods, food, or services.
至高shikō: The highest and most excellent level, often in a formal or abstract context.

Definition in Japanese

比べた中で、位置・程度・品質などが最も高いこと。kura be ta naka de i chi tei do hin shitsu na do ga motto mo taka i ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 最上 (saijō) joins 最 (sai, "most") with 上 (jō, "above"), so its structure conveys the highest level.

Usage tips

  • 最上 (saijō) can describe quality or status, but its formal tone makes it more common in polished descriptions than in casual conversation.

Opposites

Word lists with this word