Japanese word

名作

Pronunciation

Romajimeisaku

Meaning

  • nounmasterpiece

Example

この映画は名作です。ko no ei ga wa mei saku de su

This film is a masterpiece.

Illustration for 名作 (masterpiece)

More examples

この小説は今も多くの読者に名作として愛されています。ko no shō setsu wa ima mo ō ku no doku sha ni mei saku to shi te ai sa re te i ma su

This novel is still loved by many readers as a masterpiece.

Core concept

It presents a work as standing out from others because of exceptional quality and lasting worth.

Common phrases

  • 不朽の名作fu kyū no mei saku

    an enduring masterpiece

  • 名作として知られるmei saku to shi te shi ra re ru

    be known as a masterpiece

  • 名作を生むmei saku o u mu

    create a masterpiece

Similar words

傑作kessaku: A work of outstanding quality that displays exceptional skill or artistry.
秀作shūsaku: A work of high quality that demonstrates notable skill and artistic merit.
佳作kasaku: A good work that earns recognition for its quality and craftsmanship.

Definition in Japanese

芸術作品や文学作品などの中で、特に優れた出来栄えのもの。gei jutsu saku hin ya bun gaku saku hin na do no naka de toku ni sugu re ta de ki ba e no mo no

Word origin

名作 (meisaku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 名 (mei, "name or reputation") and 作 (saku, "work or make"), referring to a work known for its high quality.

Usage tips

  • 名作 (meisaku) can describe a recent film as well as an older work, so it does not necessarily imply the age suggested by "classic" in English.

Other meanings

  • classicnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word