最さい

prefix, na-adjective

most; extreme; the -est

Productive prefix forming superlatives and emphatic expressions. Also used as a na-adjective in phrases like 最の～. Common in compounds such as 最高, 最低, 最新, 最悪.

• これは最さい新しんの技ぎ術じゅつです。

  This is the latest technology.

• 彼かれはクラスで最さいの成せい績せきを取とった。

  He got the best grades in the class.

taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle

prime; conspicuous; most notable

Literary and somewhat archaic use as a taru-adjective or adverb with と. Most often encountered in the fixed expression 最たる (prime, foremost).

See also: 最たる

• 彼かれは当とう代だい最さいたる作さっ家かの一人ひとりだ。

  He is one of the foremost writers of our time.

• その事じ件けんは最さいたる例れいとして挙あげられる。

  That incident can be cited as a prime example.