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最为 (zuì wéi) — the most (formal variant of 最, used before two-syllable adjectives or verbs)

Definition

最为 is a formal, written intensifier meaning 'the most' — used in formal writing and speeches, stronger in register than the everyday 最. It typically precedes disyllabic adjectives or verbs.

verb
the most (formal variant of 最, used before two-syllable adjectives or verbs)

Examples

  • 最为。
    Zhè ge fāng àn zuì wéi wèi hé shì.
    This plan is the most suitable.
  • ，最为。
    Zài zhè ge lǐng yù, tā de guān diǎn zuì wéi wèi quán wēi.
    In this field, his views are the most authoritative.
  • 最为。
    Dà jiā yí zhì rèn wéi zhè shì zuì wéi yǒu xiào de fāng fǎ.
    Everyone unanimously agrees this is the most effective method.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

最zuìmost
为wèibe

最 (most) + 为 (be) gives the sense 'be the most' or 'extremely'.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
宀宀miánroof
Sound part声符shēngfú
取
取qǔ最zuì
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The shape pairs 取, which gives the sound, with a roof-like top from 宀; marks above were later added to separate the “most” meaning.

Open 最 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 為; 为 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 為 showed a hand holding an elephant; the simplified 为 is a later shorthand.

Open 为 →
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