三さん国ごく一いち

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun

unparalleled in Japan, China and India; the best in the world

A classical set phrase originally referring to being the best among the three great ancient Asian civilizations. In modern use, it is a literary or hyperbolic way to say 'the best in the world' or 'unrivaled'. Often used in the pattern 三国一の～.

• 彼かれは三さん国ごく一いちの剣けん豪ごうと呼よばれていた。

  He was called the greatest swordsman in the world.

• この城しろは三さん国ごく一いちの名めい城じょうだと伝つたえられている。

  This castle is said to be the finest castle in the world.