most
N3- Onyomi
- サイ
- Kunyomi
- もっと(も)
- Stroke count
- 12
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 最 down and you get 日 (sun / day) — the sun framed by four strokes, marking one day, and beside it 取 (take / obtain) — a hand reaching out to take hold of an ear. Picture the sun shining in a clear sky, put 最 inside it, and let that scene stand for "most" — most. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は12画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 12 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
最初
saisho
the beginning
最後
saigo
the end
最近
saikin
recently
最適化
saitekika
optimization
最適化した
saitekikashita
plain past: did optimization
最適化する
saitekikasuru
to do optimization
Example sentences (5)
最近、仕事が忙しくなりました。
さいきん、しごと が いそがしく なりました。
saikin, shigoto ga isogashiku narimashita.
Work has gotten busy recently.
最近、日本語で電話ができるようになりました。
さいきん、にほんご で でんわ が できる よう に なりました。
saikin, nihongo de denwa ga dekiru you ni narimashita.
Recently I have become able to make phone calls in Japanese.
最初に自己紹介をお願いします。
さいしょ に じこしょうかい を おねがい します。
saisho ni jikoshoukai o onegai shimasu.
First, please introduce yourself.
最初は難しかったですが、だんだん慣れてきました。
さいしょ は むずかしかった です が、だんだん なれて きました。
saisho wa muzukashikatta desu ga, dandan narete kimashita.
At first it was difficult, but I have gradually gotten used to it.
最後に質問の時間があります。
さいご に しつもん の じかん が あります。
saigo ni shitsumon no jikan ga arimasu.
There is time for questions at the end.