Chinese word

一流

Pronunciation

Pinyinyī liú

Meaning

  • adjectivefirst-rate

Example

他是一流的厨师。tā shì yì liú de chú shī

He is a first-rate chef.

Illustration for 一流 (first-rate)

More examples

他的工作成绩达到一流水平。tā de gōng zuò chéng jì dá dào yì liú shuǐ píng

His work performance reached a first-rate level.

Core concept

The front position on a quality ladder, where outstanding skill, quality, or reputation sets a person or thing apart.

Common phrases

  • 一流的厨师yì liú de chú shī

    first-rate chef

  • 一流水平yì liú shuǐ píng

    first-rate level

  • 一流的服务yì liú de fú wù

    first-rate service

Similar words

优秀yōu xiù: Highly capable or successful, with very strong ability, performance, or results.
出色chū sè: Especially good in its work or results and striking enough to attract attention.
杰出jié chū: Remarkably distinguished through outstanding talent, achievements, or contributions.
卓越zhuó yuè: Showing an exceptionally high standard of ability, quality, or achievement.

Definition in Chinese

质量、技艺或声誉在同类中达到顶级标准，通常用于赞扬个人或事物。zhì liàng jì yì huò shēng yù zài tóng lèi zhōng dá dào dǐng jí biāo zhǔn tōng cháng yòng yú zàn yáng gè rén huò shì wù

Word origin

一流 (yīliú, "one class") originally referred to belonging to the same category or rank, and later came to name the highest rank.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, it usually praises a person, product, or service rather than reporting an official rank, so the context determines how strong the praise is.

Other meanings

  • top tiernoun
  • premiumadjective

Opposites

  • 二流èr liúsecond-rateadjective
  • 平庸píng yōngmediocreadjective

Word lists with this word