最～
さい～ · sai～ · JLPT N2 · noun
the most ~
最 = most: put it before an adjective, so 最高 = most high, the highest
Pronounced sai, close to the English sigh. Sigh, you're the most! Use it before adjectives or adverbs: 最近 (most recent), 最も (most of all).
最 — top 冃 (hat/cover) + bottom 取 (take)
Originally a compound suggesting taking something even at risk, with 冃 (a covering, often confused with 日 sun) over 取 (to seize). Over time it shifted from 'to risk taking' to the superlative meaning 'most' or 'extremely', its modern use in Chinese.