Japanese word

上等

Pronunciation

Romajijōtō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveexcellent

Example

この店は上等な肉を使います。ko no mise wa jō tō na niku o tsuka i ma su

This restaurant uses excellent meat.

Illustration for 上等 (excellent)

More examples

贈り物には上等なお茶を選びました。oku ri mono ni wa jō tō na o cha o era bi ma shi ta

I chose fine tea as a gift.

Core concept

Expresses the idea that something belongs to a high class because it has notably good quality.

Common phrases

  • 上等な品jō tō na shina

    high-quality item

  • 上等なお茶jō tō na o cha

    fine tea

Similar words

上質jōshitsu: Describes something made with especially good materials or workmanship.
高級kōkyū: Describes goods or materials associated with a high social class and often a high price.
良質ryōshitsu: Describes something whose quality is good and reliable.

Definition in Japanese

等級や品質が高く、すぐれていること。tō kyū ya hin shitsu ga taka ku su gu re te i ru ko to

Word origin

上等 (jōtō) is formed from the Sino-Japanese elements 上 (jō, "upper") and 等 (tō, "class"), and originally points to a higher class.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 上等 (jōtō) can describe more than food, including materials or goods whose quality is clearly high.

Opposites

  • 粗悪soakupoor-qualityna-adjective

Related words

  • 上等さjōtōsaexcellencenoun

Word lists with this word