Japanese word

最善

Pronunciation

Romajisaizen

Meaning

  • nounthe very best

Example

これが最善です。ko re ga sai zen de su

This is the very best.

Illustration for 最善 (the very best)

More examples

困難な状況でも、最善を尽くします。kon nan na jō kyō de mo sai zen o tsu ku shi ma su

Even in a difficult situation, I will do my best.

Core concept

Marks a choice or method as the most suitable one when alternatives are compared.

Common phrases

  • 最善を尽くすsai zen o tsu ku su

    do one's best

  • 最善の策sai zen no saku

    best course of action

Similar words

最良sairyō: The choice judged to have the greatest quality or value.
最適saiteki: A choice or method that is especially well suited to specific conditions.

Definition in Japanese

目的や状況に照らして、ほかよりも最も適したもの。moku teki ya jō kyō ni te ra shi te ho ka yo ri mo motto mo teki shi ta mo no

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 最善 (saizen, "the very best") combines 最 (sai, "most") and 善 (zen, "good"), expressing the highest degree of goodness or suitability.

Usage tips

  • When a speaker discusses the 最善 (saizen) response, the word often focuses on what should be done in a situation rather than on an already achieved result.

Other meanings

  • best coursenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word