zi3 hou2至好
Jyutpingzi3 hou2
Yaleji hóu
Definition
The best; finest.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Using 至好 adds a slightly more emphatic or subjective tone compared to the standard 最好. It is frequently heard in casual speech when someone is expressing a personal preference or highlighting a top choice among a limited set of options. While interchangeable with 最好 in most contexts, 至好 often carries a stronger sense of finality or personal conviction.
Examples
The roast goose at this restaurant is the best.
Which method do you think is the best?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 至好 with 最好, but they are essentially the same word with the same meaning. The main trap is overusing it in formal writing where 最好 is preferred, as 至好 sounds distinctly more conversational and regional.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
