In the previous lesson, we have learned how to use 比 (bǐ) for Comparison in Chinese. Today, we will learn how to describe a thing or person that has the superlative degree.

Unlike English, we do not change the form of the adjective by adding -est, we use the intensifier 最 (zuì) before the adjective in order to express the most. We can only use 最 (zuì) if we compare three or more objects. For comparing two objects, use 比 (bǐ).

Structure: 最 + adjective

​

Examples:

​

林老师是我们学校最好的老师。

Lín lǎoshī shì wǒmen xuéxiào zuì hǎo de lǎoshī.

Mr. Lin is the best teacher in our school.

​

今天是这个月最热的一天。

Jīntiān shì zhège yuè zuì rè de yītiān.

Today is the hottest day of the month.

​

最 + Stative Verbs

​

Besides the adjectives, we can also place the stative verbs after the 最 (zuì). Stative verbs are the verbs that related to people’s psychological status, such as：

• 喜欢 (xǐ huān) – to like

• 爱 (ài) – to love

• 想 (xiǎng) – to think, to want to, to miss (someone)

Structure: 最 + Stative Verb

​

Examples:

我最喜欢吃辣。

Wǒ zuì xǐhuān chī là.

I like spicy food the most.

​

她最爱她的女儿。

Tā zuì’ài tā de nǚ’ér.

She loves her daughter most.

 

Now, let’s practice to translate these sentences into Chinese!

 

1. She is the tallest.

Hints: she = 她（tā）, tall = 高 (gāo).

 

1. He is the smartest.

Hints: he = 他（tā）, smart = 聪明 (cōng míng).

​

1. I want to go to London the most.

Hints: I = 我 (wǒ), go = 去 (qù), London = 伦敦 (lún dūn).

​

​

ANSWERS

1. 她最高。

Tā zuìgāo.

​

1. 他最聪明。

Tā zuì cōngmíng.

​

1. 我最想去伦敦。

Wǒ zuì xiǎng qù lúndūn.