Japanese word

優秀

Pronunciation

Romajiyūshū

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveexcellent

Example

この学生は優秀です。ko no gaku sei wa yū shū de su

This student is excellent.

Illustration for 優秀 (excellent)

More examples

彼女は仕事の覚えが早く、とても優秀です。kano jo wa shi goto no obo e ga haya ku to te mo yū shū de su

She learns her work quickly and is very capable.

Core concept

Marks a person, performance, or result as noticeably better than ordinary through ability, quality, or achievement.

Common phrases

  • 優秀な学生yū shū na gaku sei

    an excellent student

  • 優秀な成績yū shū na sei seki

    excellent grades

Similar words

有能yūnō: Describes a person who has the ability to do a job well.
立派rippa: Describes a person, action, or result as worthy of respect because of its quality or achievement.
見事migoto: Describes an action, performance, or result as skillfully done and impressive.

Definition in Japanese

人や物の能力、性質、成績などが、他より際立ってすぐれているさま。hito ya mono no nō ryoku sei shitsu sei seki na do ga ta yo ri kiwa da tte su gu re te i ru sa ma

Word origin

The word 優秀 (yūshū) uses the Sino-Japanese readings of 優 (yū, "superior") and 秀 (shū, "excellent"), joining them to express exceptional ability or quality.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, calling someone 優秀 (yūshū) usually highlights proven ability or achievement rather than simply expressing general approval.

Other meanings

  • talentedna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 優秀さyūshūsaexcellencenoun

Word lists with this word