名著|めいちょmeicho[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounfamous book; masterpiece (literary work)

• Synonym傑作けっさくNeutralAn outstanding work in any field, not just books; it can also jokingly describe something hilariously absurd. 「名著」 is only a famous, highly rated book.
• Synonym大著たいちょWrittenA formal word for a voluminous or weighty, important work. 「名著」 stresses that the book is widely known and acclaimed, not its size.
• SynonymマスターピースNeutralLoanword for 'masterpiece', used mostly of artworks and commercial products. 「名著」 is used only of books.
• Related大作たいさくNeutralA large-scale, monumental work — films and paintings as well as books. 「名著」 is only for books and stresses their reputation.
• Related名文めいぶんWrittenA written, formal word for an excellent piece of prose or a well-written passage. 「名著」 refers to a whole book.
• Related古典こてんNeutralA classic that has kept its value since long ago; the emphasis is on age. A 「名著」 does not have to be old.
• Related神品しんぴんWrittenA rare, written/formal word for an inspired, peerless work, used mostly of calligraphy and paintings. 「名著」 is far more common and applies to books.
• Antonym駄作ださくNeutralThe opposite of 「名著」: a dull, worthless work.

Use 「名著」 for a book that is widely known and highly rated. For classics valued since ancient times, say 「古典」; for outstanding works of any kind, 「傑作」; for large-scale works, 「大作」; for poor works, 「駄作」.

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

1. 多おおくの人ひとに知しられ、高たかく評価ひょうかされている優すぐれた書物しょもつ。