Japanese word

異例

Pronunciation

Romajiirei

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveexceptional

Example

この結果は異例です。ko no kek ka wa i rei de su

This result is exceptional.

Illustration for 異例 (exceptional)

More examples

この規模の支援は、国内では異例です。ko no ki bo no shi en wa koku nai de wa i rei de su

Support on this scale is exceptional in this country.

Core concept

Marks a person, event, or result as notably different from what normally happens or is expected.

Common phrases

  • 異例の対応i rei no tai ō

    exceptional response

  • 異例の措置i rei no so chi

    exceptional measure

  • 異例の事態i rei no ji tai

    exceptional situation

Similar words

特異tokui: Describes something with unusual qualities that set it apart from similar things.
異常ijō: Describes something that departs from the usual pattern and may be viewed as abnormal.
非凡hibon: Describes something that is outstanding in ability or quality.
特別tokubetsu: Describes something set apart from the ordinary by a particular quality or status.

Definition in Japanese

通常の例から外れていて、特に珍しいこと。tsū jō no rei ka ra hazu re te i te toku ni mezura shi i ko to

Word origin

異例 (irei) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 異 (i, "different") and 例 (rei, "example" or "usual case"), meaning a case unlike the usual one.

Usage tips

  • The English word exceptional can sound strongly positive, while 異例 (irei) can neutrally describe anything that departs from the normal pattern.

Other meanings

  • unusualna-adjective
  • unprecedentedna-adjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word