noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
the greatest of the day; the foremost in the present age
Used to describe someone or something considered the best in their field during the current era. Often appears in formal or literary contexts, such as historical descriptions or critical appraisals.
He is acclaimed as the greatest painter of the present age.
This work can be called the foremost masterpiece of our time.
Similar meaning, but 随一 emphasizes being 'the very best' or 'second to none', while 第一 is more straightforwardly 'number one'.
A shorter variant with the same meaning, but less formal and less common in writing.
Compound of 当代 (present age) and 第一 (first, number one). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination follows standard Sino-Japanese word formation patterns.