(けっさく)

けっさく
noun
masterpiece, great work
1. masterpiece, great work
An outstanding work of art, literature, or craftsmanship.
この()(かれ)傑作(けっさく)
This painting is his masterpiece.
It's a museum that has collected masterpieces from around the world.
It became his final masterpiece.
This film is the director's masterpiece.
We published a collection of great works.
2. something hilarious, a gem
Colloquially, something amusingly absurd or ridiculously funny.
His excuse was hilarious.
Colloquial/ironic usage
Her failure story is hilarious.
That joke is a gem.
Today's meeting was hilarious.
That failure was priceless.

傑作(けっさく) has both a serious and colloquial meaning.

Serious usage:

  • 傑作(けっさく)()()す (to create a masterpiece)
  • 傑作(けっさく)(せん) (collection of great works)
  • 文学(ぶんがく)傑作(けっさく) (literary masterpiece)

Colloquial/ironic usage:

  • 「あれは傑作(けっさく)だね」 (That's hilarious/ridiculous)
  • Often used sarcastically for absurd situations or excuses

Related terms:

  • 名作(めいさく) (masterpiece - similar but slightly less emphasis on excellence)
  • 代表作(だいひょうさく) (representative work)
  • 駄作(ださく) (poor work - opposite)