Korean Conversation · Level 23
15 words
Korean word
제일
Pronunciation
Romanizationcheil
Meaning
- adverbthe most
Example
이 가게가 제일 싸요.i ka ge ga che il ssa yo
This store is the cheapest.
More examples
저는 피자를 제일 좋아해요.cheo neun pi ja reul che il cho a hae yo
I like pizza the most.
Core concept
One item stands above all the others in a comparison.
Common phrases
제일 먼저che il meon jeo
first
제일 좋아하다che il cho a ha da
like the most
제일 맛있다che il ma sit tta
taste the best
Similar words
가장kajang: Places a quality at the highest level on a scale.
젤chel: An informal spoken form used to mean most.
Definition in Korean
여럿 중에서 가장 앞서거나 최고임을 나타내는 부사yeo reot chung e seo ka jang ap sseo geo na choe go i meul na ta nae neun pu sa
Word origin
Its origin is the Sino-Korean idea of first place, which broadened into a common adverb meaning most.
Usage tips
- English speakers can use it when saying which option they like best, not only when comparing physical qualities.