How to say "greatness" in Japanese

• 偉いCommon
  noun, na-adjectiveThe common, default choice: greatness as eminence, excellence or magnificence. When you simply want to say that someone or something is great in an ordinary context, this is the word learners should reach for first.
• 摩訶まか
  noun, noun (prefix)A Buddhist term of Sanskrit origin, it conveys greatness as enormity — sheer immensity — rather than personal eminence, and for the ordinary sense of 'greatness' it is seldom the word you want.
• 雄ゆう
  nounGreatness as preeminence — the best of its kind, or a great person of heroic presence. Less common, it suits emphasis on outstanding stature among peers rather than plain greatness.

Use 偉 for the everyday sense of greatness as eminence, excellence or magnificence; 摩訶 points to enormity and is seldom the word you want; 雄 covers preeminence, a great figure or the best of its kind.

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

• 偉いgreatness
• 摩訶まかgreatness
• 雄ゆうexcellence