Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Best" in Korean: 최고
최고choego
Best in Korean is 최고 (choego). 최고 is a noun meaning the best or highest; 최고의 goes before another noun.
Best: an everyday statement
이 영화는 최고예요.i yeonghwaneun choegoyeyo.
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How to pronounce 최고
Say it
choego
/tɕʰweko/
Read 최고 as choego. The spoken form 최고예요 is choegoyeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Best" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 최고choego | Best Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 최고예요choegoyeyo | Best (polite present) Use 최고예요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 최고예요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 최고였어요choegoyeosseoyo | Best (polite past) Use 최고였어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 최고였어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 최고 in real life
- 1Best: an everyday statement
이 영화는 최고예요.
i yeonghwaneun choegoyeyo.
This film is the best.
최고예요 is the present form of 최고.
- 2Best: a different situation
어제 공연은 최고였어요.
eoje gongyeoneun choegoyeosseoyo.
Yesterday’s performance was the best.
최고였어요 is the past form of 최고.
- 3Best: a question or request
이 제품이 최고예요?
i jepumi choegoyeyo?
Is this product the best?
최고예요 is the present form of 최고.
Mistakes English speakers make with 최고
Incorrect: 최고.
Correct: 최고예요.
When practicing best, 최고 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 최고예요.
Incorrect: 어제 최고예요.
Correct: 어제 최고였어요.
When practicing best, for a completed event yesterday, use 최고였어요; the present form 최고예요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
최고 is a noun meaning the best or highest; 최고의 goes before another noun. 최고예요 is the polite conversational form of 최고; 최고였어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 최고
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
이 영화는 최고예요.
i yeonghwaneun choegoyeyo.
This film is the best.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어제 공연은 최고였어요.
eoje gongyeoneun choegoyeosseoyo.
Yesterday’s performance was the best.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
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FAQ
Common questions about "Best" in Korean
How do I use 최고 in polite speech?
최고예요 is the polite conversational form of 최고; 최고였어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 최고 in a past-tense sentence?
최고였어요 is the polite past form. 최고 is a noun meaning the best or highest; 최고의 goes before another noun.
What does 최고예요 mean here?
최고예요 is used for best. For example, 이 영화는 최고예요. means “This film is the best.”
What should I remember about 최고?
최고 is a noun meaning the best or highest; 최고의 goes before another noun.
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