最(もっと)も

最(もっと)も is the formal/written superlative adverb meaning "most." It modifies adjectives and verbs to express the highest degree.

Common patterns

最(もっと)も + adjective/verb: the most ~

Common collocations

• 最(もっと)も重要(じゅうよう)な: the most important
• 最(もっと)も良(よ)い: the best
• 最(もっと)も多(おお)い: the most (in quantity)
• 最(もっと)も優(すぐ)れた: the most excellent

Similar words

• 一番(いちばん): most (everyday, casual) — preferred in conversation
• 最(もっと)も: most (formal, written) — preferred in essays, speeches, news

Both are interchangeable in meaning, but 最(もっと)も sounds more polished.

Watch out

Do not confuse with もっと (more), which is comparative, not superlative. もっと早(はや)く = faster; 最(もっと)も早(はや)い = the fastest.