最善

さいぜん

the very best

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"最善" means "the very best" or "the utmost good" in a situation. It is often used to express doing or choosing the best possible action or solution.

Common Contexts

You will see "最善" in formal or serious contexts, such as business, problem-solving, or when emphasizing effort and quality.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 最善を尽くす (さいぜんをつくす): to do one's very best
  • 最善の方法 (さいぜんのほうほう): the best method
  • 最善を選ぶ (さいぜんをえらぶ): to choose the best option

Usage Notes

"最善" is a noun and often combined with verbs like "尽くす" (to do) or used attributively before nouns. It is more formal and stronger than just "良い" (good). Avoid confusing it with "最高" which means "the highest" or "supreme" but is more about ranking or degree rather than effort or quality.

Example Sentences

わたしたちはさいぜんをつくしてもんだいをかいけつしました。

We did our very best to solve the problem.

さいぜんのほうほうをえらぶことがじゅうようです。

It is important to choose the best method.

かれはつねにさいぜんをつくそうとどりょくしています。

He always tries to do his very best.