傑作
Meanings
1
Refers to an outstanding work of art, literature, or craft; a classic or crowning achievement.
This novel is his greatest masterpiece.
That movie can truly be called a masterpiece.
2
hilarious (unintentionally); absurd; outrageous
jocular, humorousdated term
Jocular, dated usage: describes a blunder, remark, or situation so bad or absurd that it becomes funny. Often used with な, as in 傑作な話.
His story of failure was unintentionally hilarious.
That slip of the tongue is absurdly funny, isn't it?
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が傑作を生み出すfor someone to produce a masterpiece
The painter produced a masterpiece late in his life.
- 傑作な〈事〉a hilariously absurd story/mistake
The story of him getting on the wrong train was hilariously absurd.
- 〈物〉が傑作と評されるfor a work to be praised as a masterpiece
This novel is praised as the masterpiece of the century.
- 〈物〉は傑作だused to declare something a masterpiece (or, jokingly, absurdly funny)
That excuse is a real riot.