How to say "exceptional" in Japanese

• 異例いれいCommon
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'exceptional' for cases and occurrences that depart from the norm — an exceptional event, speed, or measure. It describes the situation as unusual, not a person's excellence.
  それは全まったく異例いれいのことだ。↗

  That's an unusual thing, undoubtedly.
• 特段とくだんCommon
  no-adjectiveSeldom the word you want for 'exceptional'; it really means 'special' or 'particular', typically in negative statements to the effect that there was no special problem or reason.
• 抜群ばつぐんCommon
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveThe choice for 'exceptional' meaning outstandingly good: exceptional talent, ability, or performance that clearly stands out from the crowd. It praises quality, not rare cases.
  あなたはユーモアのセンスが抜群ばつぐんです。↗

  You've got a great sense of humor.
• 格別かくべつJLPT N2approx.Common
  no-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'exceptional' in the sense of 'special, particular' — exceptional kindness, treatment, or consideration beyond the ordinary — and it can also work adverbially as 'especially'.
  暑あつい日ひの生ビールなまびーるの味あじはまた格別かくべつだ。↗

  Draft beer tastes especially good on a hot day.
• 別格べっかくCommon
  no-adjectiveTreats a person or thing as a class of its own — exceptional in rank or standing, set apart from the ordinary scale. Often for someone whose level simply defies comparison.
  コックとして彼かれは別格べっかくだ。↗

  As a cook he is in a class by himself.

Use 異例 for exceptional cases or events that break the norm, 抜群 for exceptional ability or performance, 別格 for people in a class of their own, 格別 for special treatment, and 特段 for 'nothing special' statements.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 異例いれいexceptional
• 特段とくだんexceptional
• 抜群ばつぐんoutstanding
• 格別かくべつparticular
• 別格べっかくspecial
• 破格はかくextraordinary
• 例外的れいがいてきexceptional
• 特別とくべつspecial
• 桁外れけたはずれincredible
• 類まれたぐいまれrare
• 異数いすうunusual
• 特例的とくれいてきspecial (case, etc.)
• 半端じゃないはんぱじゃないconsiderable
• 格段かくだん(far) better
• 規格外きかくがいexceptional