Superlative "zui"

The most common way to form a superlative (best, worst, fattest, most complex, etc.) in Chinese is to use 最 (zuì) before an adjective.

Basic Structure

The structure is:

最 + Adjective

And now you have the superlative form of the adjective. Unlike in English, this structure is consistent for all adjectives in Chinese.

Examples

  • 笨。He is the dumbest.
  • 胖。You are the fattest.
  • 矮。I am the shortest.
  • 我 的朋友 有意思。
  • 你的姐姐 聪明。
  • 美术课 好玩。
  • 我的老板 严格。
  • 昨天你喝酒喝得多 。
  • 今天你回来得晚 。
  • 昨晚你睡觉睡得早 。

Optional 了

Occasionally you'll also see a 了 added after the adjective. This adds emphasis to the "-est."

最 + Adjective (+ 了)

Examples

  • 聪明 (This 了 is optional)He is the smartest.
  • (This 了 is optional)You are the skinniest.
  • (This 了 is optional)I am the tallest.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books