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The meaning of saikou (最高) in Japanese and how to use it

This article will give you all of the knowledge you need on the Japanese word saikou, including its Japanese definition and translation, example sentences, and more!

What does saikou mean?

Saikou (最高、さいこう) means the highest or the most in Japanese. In casual language, it can also mean great or awesome. I’d say that you will actually hear the second meaning more often in daily conversation.

Below, we take a look at some examples of how to use saikou in Japanese.

To make it easier for you, I have written each sentence in full Japanese kanji on the first line, followed by roman letters (romaji), and hiragana, with the English meaning coming last.

Saikou meaning 1: Highest/most

Saikou means the most or the highest. It can also mean awesome or great.

彼は世界で最高のテニス選手だ。
Kare wa sekai de saikou no tenisu senshu da.
かれはせかいでさいこうのてにすせんしゅだ。
He is the best tennis player in the world.

今のところは、最高スコアは525です。
Ima no tokoro wa, saikou sukoa wa 525 desu.
いまのところは、さいこうすこあは525です。
The top score as of now is 525.

教えることは最高の勉強だ。
Oshieru koto wa saikou no benkyou da.
おしえることはさいこうのべんきょうだ。
Teaching is the best way to learn.

今年度は過去最高益となった。
Konnendo wa kako saikou eki to natta.
こんねんどはかこさいこうえきとなった。
Profits hit a record high this fiscal year.

今日の最高気温は20度です。
Kyou no saikou kion wa nijyuu do desu.
きょうのさいこうきおんは２０どです。
Today’s temperature high will be 20 degrees Celsius.

Saikou meaning 2: Awesome

Saikou is a useful word to express that something is great, off the hook…awesome. You get the picture. Young people use this one a lot!

最高だぜ！
Saikou da ze!
さいこうだぜ！
This is awesome, man!

俺の彼女は最高だよ！
Ore no kanojo wa saikou dayo!
おれのかのじょはさいこうだよ！
My girlfriend is amazing!

昨日のライブは最高だったよ。
Kinou no raibu wa saikou datta yo.
きのうのらいぶはさいこうだったよ。
Yesterday’s concert was incredible.

そのお店は安くて美味しい。最高だね。
Sono omise wa yasukute oishii. Saikou da ne.
そのおみせはやすくておいしい。さいこうだね。
That shop is cheap and also delicious. It’s great.

夜景は最高だったし、すごく楽しかった。
Yakei wa saikou datta shi, sugoku tanoshikatta.
やけいはさいこうだったし、すごくたのしかった。
The night view was amazing, and I had a really good time.

Rohan
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Published by Rohan

Rohan is a professional Japanese translator and the author behind Tanukiki.com, a blog that offers Japanese language tips and insights on life in Japan. Rohan's favorite resource for learning Japanese is JapanesePod101, one of the best tools for getting started with the language. Sign up for a free lifetime account here.