Translation guide
The English word "outstanding" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: describing something excellent, referring to unpaid debts or unfinished tasks, and describing something prominent or conspicuous.
Expressing that something or someone is remarkably good, superior, or impressive.
The most common and versatile word for 'wonderful', 'splendid', or 'outstanding'. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
He gave an outstanding performance.
That's an outstanding idea.
Means 'excellent' or 'superior', often used for abilities, qualities, or achievements. Slightly more formal than 素晴らしい.
She is an outstanding leader.
This is an outstanding piece of work.
Means 'outstanding' or 'prominent' in the sense of standing out from others due to excellence. More literary or formal.
He is an outstanding scientist.
Means 'outstanding' or 'exceptional', often used in phrases like 抜群の成績 (outstanding results). Conveys being head and shoulders above others.
His grades are outstanding.
Literally 'stands out', used to describe something that is conspicuously excellent. More descriptive.
His talent is outstanding.
Referring to debts, bills, tasks, or issues that remain unsettled or unfinished.
Specifically means 'unpaid' for bills, debts, or invoices. The standard term in financial contexts.
There are still outstanding invoices.
Means 'unresolved' or 'outstanding' for problems, issues, or cases. Common in business and formal settings.
A versatile verb meaning 'remaining' or 'left over'. Can be used for tasks, work, or payments in a more general sense.
There is still outstanding work to be done.
Means 'unprocessed' or 'pending', used for tasks, applications, or orders that have not been dealt with.
There are many outstanding orders.
Describing something that is very noticeable or conspicuous, often in a physical or visual sense.
The most common word for 'stand out' or 'be conspicuous'. Can be used for both positive and negative prominence.
She stands out in a crowd.
Means 'remarkable' or 'conspicuous', often used for differences, features, or trends. More formal and written.
There was an outstanding improvement.
Literally 'protruding', used figuratively to mean 'outstanding' in the sense of being far ahead or exceptionally prominent.
His achievements are outstanding.
When translating 'outstanding' in the sense of unpaid debts or unresolved issues, do not use words like 傑出した or 素晴らしい. These mean 'excellent'. Use 未払いの or 未解決の instead.
outstanding debt
Both mean 'excellent', but 素晴らしい is more emotional and subjective (wonderful, splendid), while 優れた is more objective and often used for skills, quality, or performance. 優れた can sound more formal.
She did an outstanding job.
The company has outstanding debts.
He is an outstanding figure in the field.
There are several outstanding issues.
The building is outstanding from its surroundings.