最 (zuì) — most; used to form superlatives
Definition
最 is the everyday superlative marker ('most / -est'), placed before an adjective or verb to compare three or more things. 大多 and 多半 say 'mostly' about a group; 最 singles out the extreme one.
adverb
mostused to form superlatives
Examples
- 最。Zhè shì zuì pián yi de shāng diàn.This is the cheapest store.
- 最。Wǒ zuì xǐ huan hē niú nǎi.I like drinking milk the most.
- 最。Nà ge bēi zi zuì dà.That cup is the biggest.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost 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.
Grammar
Appears in
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