Quick answer
最 is the kanji for "Utmost". A common reading is もっと.も (motomo). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Utmost
Also : Most · Extreme
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 最 represents 'UTMOST'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of utmost.
On-reading: さい — remember this sound by associating it with utmost. Kun-reading: もっと.も.
Example Sentences
最近、読書を始めました。
さいきん、どくしょをはじめました。
I recently started reading.
今回の試合では最高の結果を出せました。
こんかいのしあいではさいこうのけっかをだせました。
I was able to achieve the best results in this match.
Vocabulary using 最
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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