best
best — 動詞
1. to defeat a rival in a contest, game, debate, or struggle, finishing stronger, s
擊敗；勝過
在競賽或對抗中贏過某人
to defeat a rival in a contest, game, debate, or struggle, finishing stronger, smarter, or more successful than they are.
Noa bested his older brother in the chess final after a long, careful match.
Noa 在一場漫長而謹慎的比賽後，於西洋棋決賽中擊敗了他的哥哥。
best + [opponent] in + [contest]
The young lawyer bested two senior rivals during the courtroom debate on Friday.
那位年輕律師週五在法庭辯論中勝過了兩位資深對手。
best + [opponent] during + [event]
Kofi was bested by a Korean runner in the final hundred metres of the race.
Kofi 在最後一百公尺被一名韓國選手反超而落敗。
No visiting team has bested the Tigers at their home stadium for almost three baseball seasons.
近三個棒球球季以來，沒有任何客隊能在主場擊敗 Tigers 隊。
The old farmer bested the young soldier in an arm-wrestling match outside the village inn.
那位老農夫在村口酒館外的扳手腕比賽中勝過了那名年輕士兵。
- lose to
the reverse outcome from the subject's view
- be beaten by
the passive opposite outcome
文法句型
best + [opponent]
be bested by + [opponent]
用法筆記
Frequently passive (be bested by). The object must be a competitor, rival, or opponent — not a task or problem; for tasks, use 'overcome' or 'beat'. More literary or journalistic than the everyday 'beat'.
常見錯誤
best — 名詞
1. the person, animal, or thing that ranks above all the others in a group, judged
最佳者
群體中最出色的人或物
the person, animal, or thing that ranks above all the others in a group, judged by skill, quality, or some other measure.
Out of all the runners, Mateo was clearly the best on the track team.
在所有跑者裡，Mateo 顯然是田徑隊最佳的選手。
the best in + group
This bakery sells the best of the chocolate cakes I have tried in Taipei.
這家麵包店賣的是我在台北吃過的巧克力蛋糕中最棒的。
the best of + plural noun
Among the three puppies, the small brown one was the best at fetching sticks.
三隻小狗裡，那隻棕色小狗最會去叼樹枝。
Bao wanted to study with the best, so he applied to the music school in Vienna.
Bao 想跟最頂尖的人學習，所以他申請了維也納的音樂學校。
Mateo says his grandmother's pork dumplings are still the best he has ever tasted.
Mateo 說他阿嬤包的豬肉水餃，到現在仍是他吃過最好吃的。
- worst
the bottom-ranked member of the same group
文法句型
the best of + plural noun
the best in + group
用法筆記
Almost always preceded by 'the'. The group being compared is usually shown by an 'of' phrase, an 'in' phrase, or context.
常見錯誤
2. a short closing word written above the writer's name in an email, note, or lette
祝好
信末或郵件結尾的友善問候語
a short closing word written above the writer's name in an email, note, or letter to someone they know in a relaxed, friendly way.
Hope to see you at the picnic on Sunday. Best, Kofi.
希望禮拜天野餐能見到你。祝好，Kofi。
informal email sign-off
Noa ended his message to his teacher with 'Best, Noa' and pressed send.
Noa 在給老師的訊息結尾寫上「祝好，Noa」就按下傳送。
Thanks again for the homemade jam — it was delicious. Best, Aunt Rosa.
再次感謝你自製的果醬，真的很好吃。祝好，Aunt Rosa。
Priya always signs her work emails with 'Best,' rather than the more formal 'Sincerely'.
Priya 寫公司郵件時習慣用「祝好」結尾，而不是比較正式的「敬上」。
- regards
slightly more formal sign-off, common in workplace email
- best wishes
warmer and a touch more personal
- cheers
casual, more common in British English
文法句型
Best, + name
用法筆記
Sits between formal closings like 'Sincerely' and casual ones like 'Cheers'. A comma after 'Best' is standard, and the writer's name goes on the next line.
常見錯誤
3. a warm phrase, used in fixed shapes like 'all the best' or 'give my best to', th
誠摯祝福
向人道別或送上祝福時的友善表達
a warm phrase, used in fixed shapes like 'all the best' or 'give my best to', that passes general goodwill to someone — especially as a parting line or a greeting forwarded through a third person.
All the best with your new job in Tokyo, Kalani!
Kalani，祝你在東京的新工作一切順利！
all the best with + future plan
Grandpa hugged Mateo at the airport and wished her all the best in her new life abroad.
爺爺在機場抱了 Mateo 一下，祝他在國外的新生活一切順利。
wish + person + all the best in + new venture
The team manager wished Bao all the best before his move to the Madrid club.
球隊經理在 Bao 轉到馬德里的球隊前，送上滿滿的祝福。
Please give my best to Aunt Rosa and your parents when you visit them in Madrid.
你去馬德里探望 Aunt Rosa 和你父母時，請替我向他們問好。
文法句型
all the best (to + person)
用法筆記
Most often appears as 'all the best' or 'give my best to'. Conveys warmth without strong emotion, so it suits friends, neighbours, and polite acquaintances.
常見錯誤
4. used in the fixed phrase 'at best' to show that, even with the kindest interpret
頂多；至多
用於 at best，往好處看也不過如此
used in the fixed phrase 'at best' to show that, even with the kindest interpretation of the facts, a situation is still only fair, weak, or disappointing.
The roof might last another two winters at best, so the family started saving for repairs.
那個屋頂頂多再撐兩個冬天，所以一家人開始存錢修繕。
at best limiting a hopeful estimate
Daniel's apology was, at best, a half-hearted mumble that left Aunt Rosa unconvinced.
Daniel 的道歉頂多只是含糊敷衍幾句，並沒有說服 Aunt Rosa。
at best as a parenthetical
Tokyo critics called Director Nadia's new pirate film entertaining at best and a waste of time at worst.
東京影評人說 Nadia 導演的新海盜片往好處看只是還算有趣，往壞處看就是浪費時間。
The job pays minimum wage at best, which barely covers Noa's rent.
這份工作頂多就是基本工資，幾乎只夠 Noa 付房租。
- at most
places a numerical ceiling, with no judgement of quality
- if anything
softer; hints the truth may be the other way around
- at worst
shows the most negative reading of the same situation
文法句型
at best + clause / phrase
用法筆記
Often paired with 'at worst' for contrast. Signals that the speaker thinks the reality is probably less impressive than the figure or label given.
常見錯誤
5. the level a person, group, or thing reaches when they are performing or appearin
最佳狀態
某人或某物表現或外觀最好的時刻
the level a person, group, or thing reaches when they are performing or appearing as well as they ever do, used in phrases like 'at her best'.
Kofi plays violin at his best when the audience is small and quiet.
Kofi 在觀眾人少又安靜的時候，小提琴拉得最出色。
at + possessive + best
The cherry trees in Kyoto are at their best for only one week each spring.
京都的櫻花每年春天只有一週左右處於最美的狀態。
at their best of plants in season
Coach Nadia knows the team is at its best after a full week of rest.
Nadia 教練知道，球隊休息整整一週後狀態最好。
Even at his best, Noa could not beat his older brother at chess.
就算 Noa 發揮最好，他下棋還是贏不了哥哥。
Aunt Rosa's chicken soup is at its best while still steaming hot from the iron pot.
Aunt Rosa 的雞湯在剛從鐵鍋冒著熱氣時最好喝。
- in top form
sport or competition register
- at peak
more formal, often physical or seasonal peaks
- in fine form
slightly British, applies to performers or writers
- at worst
the lowest level of performance or condition
文法句型
at + possessive + best
用法筆記
Always follows 'at' plus a possessive ('my', 'her', 'their', 'its'). Without the possessive, the phrase usually shifts meaning to 'at best' (sense 4).
常見錯誤
6. the most polite, well-mannered conduct a person, child, or pet can produce on pu
最佳行為
盡力表現得最得體、最賣力的狀態
the most polite, well-mannered conduct a person, child, or pet can produce on purpose, used in the fixed phrase 'on one's best behaviour' to describe acting with extra care in front of others.
The children were on their best behaviour while Grandma was visiting from Osaka.
阿嬤從大阪來訪期間，孩子們表現得乖巧得不得了。
on + possessive + best behaviour
Bao promised his teacher he would be on his best the whole school trip.
Bao 答應老師，整趟校外教學他都會表現得最乖。
Kofi's puppy was on its best behaviour during the long car ride to the vet.
Kofi 的小狗在前往動物醫院的長程車上一路乖巧。
Mum told the twins to be on their best behaviour when Aunt Rosa's new boyfriend came to dinner.
媽媽叫雙胞胎在 Aunt Rosa 的新男友來吃晚餐時要表現得最得體。
- on top form
stresses physical or mental sharpness more than manners
- well-behaved
adjective describing the same quality without the effort framing
- out of hand
behaving wildly or beyond control
文法句型
be on + possessive + best behaviour
用法筆記
Most often locked into the phrase 'on your best behaviour'. Subjects are usually children, pets, or people in a guest setting where they want to impress.
常見錯誤
7. the part of something that someone enjoys or likes more than any other part.
最棒的部分
某事物中最令人喜愛或滿意的部分
the part of something that someone enjoys or likes more than any other part.
The best about Kofi's new flat is the small balcony facing the river.
Kofi 新公寓最棒的部分是那座面向河岸的小陽台。
the best about + noun phrase
Noa says the warm soup is the best of his grandmother's winter cooking.
Noa 說熱湯是他祖母冬日料理裡最棒的部分。
the best of + possessive noun
The best about working from home for Kalani is having lunch with her dog.
對 Kalani 來說，在家工作最棒的部分是能和她的狗一起吃午餐。
For Bao, the best of the trip was watching the sunrise over Mount Fuji.
對 Bao 而言，這趟旅行最棒的部分是在富士山上看日出。
The quiet morning walk along the canal is the best of Ms. Nadia's daily routine.
沿著運河的安靜晨間散步，是 Nadia 老師每日例行公事中最棒的部分。
- highlight
more concrete; names a specific moment or feature
- favourite part
everyday paraphrase; often easier for learners
- worst
the least pleasing part of the same thing
文法句型
the best (about / of)
用法筆記
Often appears as 'the best about' or 'the best of', followed by an activity, place, or experience. Distinguish from noun/1 (TOP PERSON OR THING): this sense names the most pleasing aspect of one thing, not the top item in a group.
常見錯誤
8. a friendly phrase you say to someone who is about to take a test, give a speech,
祝你好運
在他人面對挑戰前的祝福用語
a friendly phrase you say to someone who is about to take a test, give a speech, or face a hard task, hoping things go well for them.
Best of luck with your driving test tomorrow, Mateo — you have practised hard.
Mateo，明天的駕照考試祝你好運——你已經很努力練習了。
best of luck with + activity
Mr. Park wished the team the best of luck before the football final.
Park 老師在足球決賽前祝隊員們好運。
wish someone the best of luck
Kalani, best of luck in your nursing interview at the children's hospital next Monday.
Kalani，祝你下週一在兒童醫院的護理師面試一切順利。
The teacher hugged Kofi and said, "Best of luck on stage tonight."
老師抱了 Kofi 一下，說：「今晚上台祝你好運。」
Bao sent a quick message to his sister: "Best of luck with the exam!"
Bao 傳了一則簡訊給妹妹：「考試祝你好運！」
- good luck
shorter and even more common in speech
- fingers crossed
informal idiom; speaker hopes for a good result
文法句型
best of luck (with/in something)
用法筆記
Almost always used as the fixed phrase 'best of luck', followed by 'with', 'in', or 'on'. Differs from noun/3 (GOODBYE WISH): that sense is a general farewell ('all the best'); this sense is tied to a specific upcoming challenge.
常見錯誤
9. a way of deciding the winner in tennis, snooker, or similar games, where players
幾戰幾勝制
比賽中以多數場次決勝負的賽制
a way of deciding the winner in tennis, snooker, or similar games, where players play a fixed number of matches and whoever wins more than half of them wins overall.
The men's tennis final is played as the best of five sets at Wimbledon.
溫布頓男子網球決賽採五戰三勝制進行。
the best of + number + sets
Kofi beat his brother in the best of three table-tennis games on Sunday.
星期天的桌球比賽採三戰兩勝制，Kofi 擊敗了他哥哥。
the best of three
The two snooker champions agreed to play their final as the best of seven frames.
兩位撞球冠軍同意決賽採七戰四勝制進行。
In the school chess club, every round is the best of three quick games.
在學校西洋棋社，每一輪都是三戰兩勝的快棋賽。
Bao won the tournament after taking the best of five sets against Diego.
Bao 在五戰三勝的對戰中擊敗 Diego，贏得了錦標賽冠軍。
- best-of series
common in basketball and esports; same idea, longer phrase
文法句型
the best of + number
用法筆記
Used only with an odd number (3, 5, 7) so a clear winner is possible. Subject is usually a match, set, or round in a sport.
常見錯誤
10. the hardest someone is able to work or try at something, even when the result is
全力以赴
盡個人最大努力去做某事
the hardest someone is able to work or try at something, even when the result is uncertain.
Mateo did his best to finish the school project before the snowstorm hit.
Mateo 全力以赴，想在暴風雪來臨前把學校報告完成。
do one's best to + verb
Noa tried his best, but the heavy box still slipped from his hands.
Noa 已經盡力了，但那個沉重的箱子還是從他手中滑落。
try one's best
The young swimmers all gave their best in the freezing pool yesterday.
昨天那群年輕泳者都在冰冷的泳池裡全力以赴。
Ms. Nadia does her best to remember every student's name on the first day.
Nadia 老師總是盡力在開學第一天記住每位學生的名字。
Bao promised his coach that he would do his best in the marathon.
Bao 向教練保證，他會在馬拉松比賽中全力以赴。
- least
as in 'do the least one can'; opposite idea of minimal effort
文法句型
do/try one's best (to do something)
用法筆記
Almost always paired with a possessive (my, her, their, etc.) and the verbs 'do', 'try', or 'give'. Often followed by 'to + infinitive'. Distinguish from noun/6 (FULL EFFORT in 'best behaviour'): that sense is about manners and conduct, not effort on a task.
常見錯誤
11. the most enjoyable or rewarding part of something, when this part is already ove
精華已過
最美好部分已體驗，剩下會變差
the most enjoyable or rewarding part of something, when this part is already over and what remains will be less good.
We have had the best of the summer; the rainy season starts next week.
夏天最美好的時光已經過了；下週就要進入雨季。
have had the best of + season
Kofi felt he had had the best of the festival before the loud crowds arrived.
Kofi 覺得在喧鬧人潮湧入之前，自己已經享受過慶典最精華的部分了。
have had the best of + event
The old farmer says the orchard had its best years long ago, before the drought.
那位老農夫說，這片果園最豐收的好年頭早已過去，發生在那場乾旱之前。
Noa believes his football team had the best of their season in October.
Noa 認為他的足球隊在十月時已度過整個球季的高峰期。
By Sunday evening, the children felt they had had the best of the holiday.
到了星期天傍晚，孩子們覺得這次假期最棒的時光已經過完了。
- prime
more formal; often refers to a person's peak years
- high point
names the peak moment itself rather than what came before
文法句型
have had the best of something
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the perfect tense: 'have had the best of...'. Subject is usually a person or group; the object is a period of time, an event, or a season. Carries a slightly wistful tone.
常見錯誤
12. in the fixed adverbial phrase 'as best one can/could', meaning to handle a task
盡力而為
在當下情況下做到最好
in the fixed adverbial phrase 'as best one can/could', meaning to handle a task using whatever skill, tools, or time happens to be available, accepting that the result may fall short.
Mateo answered the difficult questions as best he could during the interview.
Mateo 在面試中盡力而為地回答那些困難的問題。
as best + subject + can/could
The volunteers cleaned the muddy streets as best they could after the flood.
洪水過後，志工們盡力清掃滿是泥濘的街道。
as best they could
Bao wrapped his ankle as best he could before walking down the trail.
Bao 在走下山徑前盡力把腳踝包紮好。
Ms. Nadia explained the rules in English as best she could to the new student.
Nadia 老師盡力用英文向新來的學生解釋規則。
The little boy tied his shoes as best he could without his mother's help.
那個小男孩在沒有媽媽幫忙的情況下，盡力把鞋帶綁好。
- as well as possible
plainer everyday paraphrase
- to the best of one's ability
more formal; often used in writing
文法句型
as best one can
用法筆記
Used as the fixed adverbial phrase 'as best one can/could'. Implies the speaker is doing something under difficult conditions and accepts the result may not be perfect. Note: no 'as' before 'one can' — the phrase is 'as best she could', not 'as best as she could' in standard usage.
常見錯誤
13. used in the phrase 'to the best of my/your/our knowledge' to say that what follo
據我所知
依目前掌握的資訊而言
used in the phrase 'to the best of my/your/our knowledge' to say that what follows is true based on the information you currently have, while admitting you might not know everything.
To the best of my knowledge, Noa has never visited Kyoto before this trip.
據我所知，Noa 在這趟旅行之前從來沒有去過京都。
phrase: to the best of + possessive + knowledge
To the best of our knowledge, no Taiwanese company sells the same kind of foldable solar panel.
就我們所知，沒有其他台灣公司在賣同款的可摺疊太陽能板。
subject: 'our' for shared institutional information
The lawyer asked Kofi to swear that his statement was true to the best of his belief.
律師要 Kofi 宣誓他的陳述就他所信為真。
To the best of my recollection, Mr. Park's budget meeting started just after three o'clock on Friday.
據我記憶所及，Park 先生的預算會議是星期五三點剛過時開始的。
Dr. Nadia answered every question to the best of her knowledge, but admitted some details were unclear.
Dr. Nadia 就她所知回答了每一個問題，但承認有些細節並不清楚。
- as far as I know
more conversational equivalent of the same hedge
- from what I understand
softer, less formal; common in spoken English
文法句型
to the best of + possessive + knowledge / belief / ability
用法筆記
Used as a hedging phrase, almost always at the start or end of a statement. Signals that the speaker is being honest but cannot guarantee the claim is complete. Distinguish from sense 12 ('to the best of one's ability'), which is about effort, not knowledge.
常見錯誤
14. in the phrase 'for the best', describing a choice or event that feels painful or
結果是好的
雖一時難受、最終卻有好結果
in the phrase 'for the best', describing a choice or event that feels painful or unwelcome now but should lead to a better outcome later.
Selling the old family house was hard, but Mateo believes it was for the best.
賣掉那間老家很難，但 Mateo 相信這樣做反而是好事。
phrase: be + for the best (after a hard decision)
Bao lost his job in March, yet a year later he says it turned out for the best.
Bao 三月時失業了，但一年後他說，那其實反而是好事。
phrase: turn out + for the best
With the typhoon closing in, the Watanabe family packed the children into the car and just hoped for the best.
颱風逼近，Watanabe 一家把孩子塞進車裡，只能聽天由命希望一切順利。
Breaking off the engagement was painful for Kofi, but his sister insists it was all for the best.
解除婚約對 Kofi 來說很痛苦，但他姊姊堅持這樣其實是好事。
Dr. Nadia's small clinic closed last winter, but neighbours now say the move was for the best.
Nadia 醫師的小診所去年冬天關了，但鄰居們現在都說，這樣反而比較好。
- a blessing in disguise
stronger; suggests a hidden benefit only seen later
- all for the better
near-equivalent, slightly less common
- for the worse
opposite outcome — things became worse, not better
文法句型
be / turn out / hope + for the best
用法筆記
Often used to comfort someone after a loss or hard choice. Distinguish from sibling 'do one's best' senses (effort) and from 'the best of' phrases (selection): this is purely about a result that turns out well despite seeming bad at first.
常見錯誤
15. in the phrase 'make the best of', meaning to accept a disappointing situation yo
將就應付
在不理想的情況下盡量過得好
in the phrase 'make the best of', meaning to accept a disappointing situation you cannot change and try to find some enjoyment or value in it anyway.
The cabin had no heating, so the campers made the best of it by lighting a small fire.
小屋沒有暖氣，露營的人只好生個小火，將就度過。
phrase: make the best of + 'it' (referring to a bad situation)
Stuck at the airport overnight, Mateo made the best of a bad job and read two whole novels.
在機場過夜走不了，Mateo 只好將就一下，把兩本小說整本看完。
fixed phrase: make the best of a bad job
The hotel room was tiny, but the Watanabe family made the best of their short holiday.
旅館房間很小，但 Watanabe 一家還是讓這趟短假過得開心。
Rain ruined the picnic, so the children made the best of the afternoon by playing board games indoors.
下雨毀了野餐，孩子們只好改在室內玩桌遊，將就度過下午。
After the budget was cut, Noa had to make the best of a much smaller team.
預算被砍之後，Noa 只能帶著小很多的團隊，盡力撐下去。
- make do with
use what is available even though it is not ideal
- grin and bear it
informal; emphasises patience rather than finding enjoyment
- give up on
opposite reaction — abandon the situation rather than cope
文法句型
make the best of + noun phrase
make the best of a bad job / situation
用法筆記
The object is something disappointing or limited (not a positive thing). Frequently followed by 'by + -ing' to show how the person coped. Distinguish from sense 14 ('for the best'): this sense is about active coping during a bad situation; sense 14 is about the eventual outcome being good.
常見錯誤
best — 形容詞
1. better than every other one of its kind, or more suitable, enjoyable, or useful
最好的
品質、效果或合適度勝過其他一切的
better than every other one of its kind, or more suitable, enjoyable, or useful for a particular purpose than any other choice.
Mateo thinks his grandmother makes the best dumplings in the whole town.
Mateo 覺得他奶奶做的水餃是全鎮最好吃的。
the best + noun + in + place
For Kofi, walking his dog by the river is the best way to relax after a long workday.
對 Kofi 來說，在河邊遛狗是漫長工作日後最好的放鬆方式。
the best way + to-infinitive
Bao won the prize for the best costume at the school party.
Bao 在學校派對上贏得了最佳服裝獎。
The little café next to the train station serves the best iced coffee Noa has ever tasted.
火車站旁那間小咖啡館的冰咖啡，是 Noa 喝過最好喝的。
Spring is the best time of year for hiking in the mountains north of Taipei.
春天是一年中最適合到台北以北山區健行的季節。
- worst
direct opposite — lowest in quality or least suitable
文法句型
the best + noun
the best + (noun) + to-infinitive
the best + (noun) + for + noun/-ing
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'the' or a possessive. When you want to say what something is best for, use 'for' + noun or '-ing' (the best tool for cutting bread); when you want to say what someone uses it to do, use 'to-infinitive' (the best way to cut bread).
常見錯誤
best — 副詞
1. in the way that suits, pleases, or works for someone or something more than any
最適合地
以最理想或最成功的方式做某事
in the way that suits, pleases, or works for someone or something more than any other way; the superlative form of the adverb 'well'.
Of all the singers in the choir, Mateo sings best at high notes.
合唱團裡所有歌手中，Mateo 高音唱得最好。
verb + best for ranking ability
Bao works best when the office is quiet and the lights are low.
辦公室安靜、燈光昏暗的時候，Bao 工作效率最好。
best + when-clause showing ideal condition
Kofi knows the city best because he grew up there.
Kofi 對這座城市最熟，因為他是在這裡長大的。
Aunt Rosa's tomato plants grow best in warm soil with plenty of afternoon sunshine.
Aunt Rosa 的番茄在溫暖土壤和充足午後陽光下長得最好。
The red dress fits Kalani best out of the three she tried on.
Kalani 試穿的三件洋裝裡，紅色那件最合身。
- most successfully
longer phrase; emphasises achieving a good result
- most effectively
stresses producing the desired effect
- worst
the direct opposite — in the least successful way
文法句型
verb + best
best + past participle
用法筆記
Always used after the verb it modifies, never before it. Often followed by 'when', 'in', or 'at' to name the condition under which something works most successfully.
常見錯誤
2. to the highest level or amount, used together with adjectives starting with 'goo
最；最為
構成 well-/good- 最高級
to the highest level or amount, used together with adjectives starting with 'good-' or 'well-' (for example 'well-known' or 'well-liked') to make their superlative form.
Noa is the best-known violinist in our small town.
Noa 是我們小鎮上最知名的小提琴家。
best + hyphenated participle adjective
Tuna sushi is one of the best-loved foods at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo.
鮪魚壽司是東京築地魚市場最受喜愛的食物之一。
best-loved as superlative of well-loved
Dr. Nadia wrote the best-selling cookbook of last year.
Dr. Nadia 寫了去年最暢銷的食譜。
The garden was the best-kept secret on Maple Street.
那座花園是楓樹街上保管得最好的祕密。
- most
used with regular adjectives; 'best' is reserved for 'good-/well-' compounds
- least
least-known, least-loved — opposite end of the same scale
文法句型
best + past participle
best + adjective starting with 'well-'
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense never stands alone — it must combine with a hyphenated past participle or 'well-' word (best-known, best-loved, best-dressed). Sense 1 modifies a verb on its own.
常見錯誤
3. as an adverb modifying a verb of action ('found', 'cooked', 'answered'), within
盡其所能地
以個人能力範圍內最好的方式去做
as an adverb modifying a verb of action ('found', 'cooked', 'answered'), within the limits of the speaker's ability at that moment; appears almost only in the frame 'as best [one] can/could' to soften any judgement of the result.
With only an old map, Noa found his way through the forest as best he could.
Noa 只靠一張舊地圖，盡力穿越了那片森林。
fixed phrase: as best + subject + can/could
The children answered the teacher's questions as best they could in English.
孩子們盡力用英文回答老師的問題。
as best + plural subject + could
Aunt Rosa cooked dinner as best she could after hurting her wrist.
Aunt Rosa 手腕受傷後，仍盡力做了晚餐。
We packed the broken vase as best we could before the long flight home.
我們在那趟長途飛行前盡可能把破掉的花瓶包好。
- as well as one can
more neutral; 'as best one can' often hints at limited resources
文法句型
as best (one) can
do as best (one) can
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed frame 'as best [pronoun] can/could'. Note there is no 'as' before 'as best he could' — unlike 'as well as he could'. Use this phrase to admit the result may be imperfect.
常見錯誤
best — 助動詞
1. in the pattern 'had best' (often shortened to 'd best) plus a plain verb, to war
最好
強烈建議該做某事，否則恐有麻煩
in the pattern 'had best' (often shortened to 'd best) plus a plain verb, to warn someone firmly that doing the action is the wise or safe choice, with the hint that ignoring the advice will cause trouble.
You'd best leave now if you want to catch the last train to Taipei.
你最好現在就走，這樣才趕得上開往台北的末班車。
had best + bare infinitive for strong advice
Noa had best apologize to his sister before their mother gets home.
Noa 最好在媽媽到家前向妹妹道歉。
full form 'had best' with named subject
We'd best take an umbrella because the sky looks very dark.
我們最好帶把傘，天空看起來烏雲密布。
The children had best finish their homework before dinner is ready.
孩子們最好在晚餐準備好之前把作業寫完。
You'd best not tell Grandma about the broken vase in the kitchen.
你最好不要告訴奶奶廚房那個花瓶被打破的事。
- had better
near-identical meaning and pattern; slightly more common than 'had best' in everyday speech.
- should
weaker advice; lacks the 'or there will be trouble' warning tone of 'had best'.
- ought to
more general moral or sensible advice; less urgent than 'had best'.
文法句型
subject + had best + bare infinitive
'd best + bare infinitive (contracted)
用法筆記
Always uses the past form 'had' (often contracted to 'd) even when talking about the present or future; never use 'has best' or 'have best'. The verb that follows is a bare infinitive — no 'to'. For the negative, place 'not' between 'best' and the verb ('You'd best not stay').