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.
彼は素晴らしい演奏をした。
He gave an outstanding performance.
素晴らしいアイデアですね。
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.
彼女は優れたリーダーだ。
She is an outstanding leader.
これは優れた作品です。
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.
彼は傑出した科学者だ。
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.
彼の成績は抜群だ。
His grades are outstanding.
Literally 'stands out', used to describe something that is conspicuously excellent. More descriptive.
彼の才能は際立っている。
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.
未払いの請求書がまだある。
There are still outstanding invoices.
Means 'unresolved' or 'outstanding' for problems, issues, or cases. Common in business and formal settings.
未解決の問題がいくつか残っている。
There are several outstanding issues.
A versatile verb meaning 'remaining' or 'left over'. Can be used for tasks, work, or payments in a more general sense.
まだやらなければならない仕事が残っている。
There is still outstanding work to be done.
Means 'unprocessed' or 'pending', used for tasks, applications, or orders that have not been dealt with.
未処理の注文が多数あります。
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.
彼女は人混みの中で目立つ。
She stands out in a crowd.
その建物は周りから目立っている。
The building is outstanding from its surroundings.
Means 'remarkable' or 'conspicuous', often used for differences, features, or trends. More formal and written.
顕著な改善が見られた。
There was an outstanding improvement.
Literally 'protruding', used figuratively to mean 'outstanding' in the sense of being far ahead or exceptionally prominent.
彼の業績は突出している。
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.
未払いの借金
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.
彼女は素晴らしい仕事をした。
She did an outstanding job.
その会社には未払いの借金がある。
The company has outstanding debts.
彼はその分野で傑出した人物だ。
He is an outstanding figure in the field.