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最

最 — utmost, most, extreme

Learn the correct stroke order for 最 (utmost), a 12-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 412 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 12
On'yomi (音読み)サイsai、シュshu
Kun'yomi (訓読み)もっと.もmottomo、つまtsuma
Strokes12
Radical曰
Frequency#82
Meaningsutmost, most, extreme

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 12 — start from the green dot

Common Words

最ももっともmost; extremelyadverb
最愛さいあいbeloved; dearestnoun
最悪さいあくworstna-adjective
最期さいごone's last moment; one's death; one's endnoun
最強さいきょうstrongestnoun
最近さいきんrecently; lately; these daysnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 最 (utmost) is taught in grade 4 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 12 strokes with radical 曰.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 最 is #82, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

最ももっとも — most; extremely
最愛さいあい — beloved; dearest
最悪さいあく — worst

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (曰)

曲bend更grow late書write曽formerly曹office替exchange

Same reading

首neck取take数number済settle (debt, etc.)際occasion歳year-end守guard種species

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 最 have?

The kanji 最 (utmost) has 12 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 最?

最 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 最 mean?

最 means: utmost, most, extreme. On'yomi readings: サイ, シュ. Kun'yomi readings: もっと.も, つま.

What JLPT level is 最?

最 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.