제일

Sino-Korean word from 第一

• IPA^(key)[ˈt͡ɕe̞ːiɭ]
• Phonetic Hangul[제:일]

제일 • (jeil) (hanja 第一)

1. number one; the first or primary
2. (by extension) most; -est
3. (forms superlatives of adjectives)

   그 사전은 제일 좋아요.

   Geu sajeoneun jeil joayo.

   This dictionary is the best.

The most common use of this is in front of an adjective or adjectival phrase, to denote superlativity.

A 2007 decision by the Patent Court of Korea found that while the superlative sense of 제일 is not distinctive, the use of 제일 in front of a noun is distinctive and can be protected by trademark.

• 보다 (boda, “more”)
• 가장 (gajang, “most”)