超
transcend, super-, ultra-
Readings
On'yomi
- チョウ
Kun'yomi
- こ.える
- こ.す
Nanori
- まさる
- わたる
Meaning
超 centers on going beyond a limit or standard: transcending, surpassing, or being super- or ultra- in degree.
Most common words using 超
20 of 268- 超ちょうN2
super-; ultra-; hyper-; extreme
- 超絶ちょうぜつ
transcendence; excellence; superiority
- 超人ちょうじん
superman; superwoman
- 超越ちょうえつN1
transcendence; transcendency
- 超過ちょうかN2
excess; surplus; exceeding (a limit, estimate, etc.); going over
- 超新星ちょうしんせい
supernova
- 超党派ちょうとうは
suprapartisan; multiparty; bipartisan; nonpartisan
- 超ド級ちょうドきゅう
superlative; extraordinary; mega; outstanding
- 超伝導ちょうでんどう
superconductivity; super-conductivity
- 超然ちょうぜん
detached; aloof; indifferent
- 超克ちょうこく
overcoming; conquering; surmounting; getting over
- 超音波ちょうおんぱ
ultrasonic waves; ultrasound
- 超音速ちょうおんそく
supersonic speed
- 超特急ちょうとっきゅうN1
super express
- 超能力ちょうのうりょく
extra-sensory perception; ESP; psi; psychic ability
- 出超しゅっちょう
excess of exports; favorable balance of trade; favourable balance of trade
- 入超にゅうちょう
excess of imports
- 輸出超過ゆしゅつちょうか
excess of exports
- 超人的ちょうじんてき
superhuman
- 超自然ちょうしぜん
occult; transcendental; supernaturalness; supernaturalism; supernaturality
Study
Etymology
超 combines 走 (run) with 召, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of calling or summoning, together suggesting running beyond or overtaking.
Meaning mnemonic
The running radical 走 surrounds 召 (summon). Picture someone running so fast they transcend the call, going beyond what was summoned.
Reading mnemonic
For チョウ, imagine a super-fast runner named Chou who transcends all limits: Chou -> チョウ, and he runs beyond the finish line.