優位|ゆういyuui[1]atamadaka (head-high)

JLPT N1approx.Common
Definitions
  1. noun, na-adjectivepredominance; superiority; ascendancy; advantage; supremacy
    広告こうこくに関かんしてはコークの方ほうが優位ゆういにたっている。↗
    When it comes to advertising, Coke is ahead of the game.
Conjugation
Plain form優位(ゆうい)
Polite (desu)優位です(ゆういです)
Negative (dewa nai)優位ではない(ゆういではない)
polite (dewa arimasen)優位ではありません(ゆういではありません)
Past (datta)優位だった(ゆういだった)
Past negative (dewa nakatta)優位ではなかった(ゆういではなかった)
Te form (de)優位で(ゆういで)
Adverbial (ni)優位に(ゆういに)
Conditional (nara)優位なら(ゆういなら)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym優越ゆうえつNeutralNoun for being objectively superior to others; common in 「優越感」. 「優位」 stresses holding the upper hand in one's position or situation.
  • Synonym優勢ゆうせいNeutralThe situation or momentum is favorable, as in 「試合を優勢に進める」; used mostly for matches, battles and the like.
  • Synonym優越性ゆうえつせいWrittenWritten/formal prose term for superiority; used mostly in comparing technologies, products, systems and the like.
  • Related支配的しはいてきNeutralNa-adjective for being dominant or in a controlling position, as in 「支配的な意見」.
  • Antonym劣勢れっせいNeutralOne's forces or the situation are at a disadvantage, as in 「劣勢を挽回する」; the opposite of 「優位」.
  • Antonym劣位れついNeutralRare word for an inferior position or standing; the direct opposite of 「優位」.

Use 「優位」 for holding the upper hand in position or situation (「優位に立つ」「優位性」). Say 「優勢」 when a match or battle is going your way; 「優越」 is for being superior in general. 「優越性」 is a formal term; 「支配的」 means dominant. Opposites: 「劣位」 (rare) and 「劣勢」.

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

Japanese definitions
  1. 他ほかより地位ちいが優まさっていること。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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