Kanji Compounds Using 「最」

The kanji 「最」is used in compounds to express the superlative degree. Learning compounds with 「最」is a good way to learn other common kanji and their meanings and pronunciations, [otherwise known as their "音読み (ON-readings)"].

Here are some examples:
最上、さい・じょう、best
最小、さい・しょう、smallest
最初、さい・しょ、the beginning
最後、さい・ご、the end
最古、さい・こ、oldest
最近、さい・きん、recently
最強、さい・きょう、strongest
最下位、さい・か・い、lowest rank
最奥、さい・おう、innermost
最愛、さい・あい、beloved
最高、さい・こう、maximum
最悪、さい・あく、worst