1.
foremost; best; number one; preeminent
The very best or most outstanding within a particular group or category. Always used with a preceding scope (e.g., 日本随一 — the best in Japan).
彼は社内随一の営業マンだ。
He is the best salesperson in the company.
ここは日本随一の温泉地だ。
This is Japan's foremost hot spring resort area.
世界随一の技術力を誇るメーカーに成長した。
It has grown into a manufacturer that boasts the world's foremost technological capabilities.
Compound of 随 (follow/accompany) + 一 (number one). Always preceded by a scope that specifies the group being compared.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 日本随一の～ (Japan's foremost ~)
- 世界随一の～ (the world's foremost ~)
- 社内随一の～ (the company's best ~)
- 業界随一の～ (the industry's foremost ~)
USAGE NOTE:
A formal expression of superlative praise. More literary and elevated than 一番. Cannot be used without a preceding group or category — you cannot say just 随一 alone.