сам vs самый

sam vs samyy — self/alone vs very/the most

What it really means

Сам means self, personally, or alone: я сам сделал. Самый means the very, the most, or the superlative marker: самый большой. They decline differently and have different functions.

Examples in natural speech

Я сам это сделал.
I did it myself.
Она живёт сама.
She lives alone.
Это самый важный вопрос.
This is the most important question.
В самом начале.
At the very beginning.
Он сам пришёл.
He came himself.

Common mistakes

Do not use сам with an adjective for “the most”; say самый высокий.

Memory tip

Сам is the person; самый marks the extreme or very one.

Frequently asked questions

How do I say myself?

Сам/сама.

How do I make most important?

Самый важный.

What is в самом деле?

Indeed/really.

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