Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
優秀 (ゆうしゅう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N3 Freq. Frequency Top 5,000 Meanings 1
na-adjective, noun
superior ; excellent ; outstanding
Describes people, performance, results, or quality that is markedly better than average. Often used in academic, professional, and evaluative contexts.
この 会かい 社しゃ に は 優ゆう 秀しゅう な 人じん 材ざい が 集あつ まっ て いる 。
This company attracts excellent talent.
Kanji 優 tenderness, excel, surpass 秀 excel, excellence, beauty Similar words 優すぐ れた 優れた is a verb-derived modifier meaning 'superior' or 'excellent,' often used attributively. 優秀 is a na-adjective/noun that feels more formal and is common in evaluations and rankings.
素す 晴ば らしい 素晴らしい is an i-adjective meaning 'wonderful' or 'splendid,' with a broader emotional tone. 優秀 is more objective and often used for measurable performance.
Etymology From Middle Chinese-derived elements 優 (excellent, superior) and 秀 (excel, surpass). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound has been used in Japanese with the meaning 'outstanding' since at least the early modern period.
