Translation guide
The English verb "outdo" means to surpass or do better than someone else. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases depending on the context, such as general superiority, competition, or exceeding expectations.
To do better than someone or something in a general sense, often in skill, performance, or quality.
A common verb meaning 'to surpass' or 'to be superior to'. Often used in the pattern AはBに勝る (A surpasses B).
He outdoes me in experience.
Means 'to outdo' or 'to surpass' often in the sense of enduring or overcoming something, or exceeding a standard. Can imply surpassing a rival or a previous record.
He achieved results that outdid the previous record.
Literally 'to exceed' or 'to go above'. Often used for numbers, expectations, or standards.
The results outdid expectations.
To outdo someone in a competitive context, such as a contest, game, or rivalry.
Means 'to defeat' or 'to overcome' in a competitive sense. Implies winning against an opponent.
He outdid his rival.
Literally 'to win a match/contest'. A straightforward way to express outdoing someone in a competition.
Means 'to outwit' or 'to outmaneuver'. Implies outdoing someone by being clever or stealthy.
To surpass one's own previous performance or expectations.
Literally 'to surpass oneself'. A natural way to express self-improvement or exceeding personal limits.
He always tries to outdo himself.
Means 'to update one's personal best'. Common in sports or personal achievements.
To be better or greater in quality, intensity, or degree.
Directly translating 'outdo' as a single Japanese word can sound unnatural. Choose the verb that matches the context: 勝る for general superiority, 打ち勝つ for competition, 上回る for numbers, etc.
Both mean 'to surpass', but 勝る often implies a comparison where one is better (AはBに勝る), while 優れる describes inherent excellence (Aは優れている). 優れる is more about quality, 勝る about relative superiority.
He won the match and outdid his opponent.
彼は競争相手を出し抜いて契約を取った。
He outdid his competitors and got the contract.
He outdid his previous record by updating his personal best.
The new technology outdid the old methods.