How to say "excellence" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 超絶ちょうぜつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers transcendence and excellence in the sense of surpassing the ordinary, being beyond the normal level. The nuance is of something that transcends ordinary bounds rather than simply being very good.
- 卓抜たくばつna-adjective, noun, suru verb, intransitive verbRefers to excellence and preeminence of ability, ideas, or work that stands out as exceptional. It suits describing an outstanding talent, insight, or performance as markedly superior.
- 俊英しゅんえいnounMeans excellence in the sense of a person of exceptional brilliance, a genius or outstanding talent. It is used of the person themselves rather than of a quality, so it is not a way to say 'excellence' as an abstract quality.
- 卓越たくえつnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbExpresses preeminence and excellence, a superiority that clearly rises above others. It fits skill, ability, or achievement that is conspicuously outstanding in its field.
- 偉いnoun, na-adjectiveCovers greatness and magnificence more than excellence in a technical or skill-based sense; it conveys eminence or grandness. It is seldom the word you want for 'excellence' as such, and typically appears bound to other elements.
卓抜 and 卓越 both convey outstanding superiority (卓抜 for exceptional talent or work, 卓越 for skill that clearly surpasses others); 超絶 stresses transcending limits; 俊英 names a brilliant person; 偉 covers greatness.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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