優(ゆう)

ゆう
noun
excellence, superiority; 'A' grade
1. excellence, superiority
The state of being superior or excellent.
優(ゆう)を争(あらそ)うほどの実力(じつりょく)がある。
They have the ability to compete for first place.
品質(ひんしつ)の優(ゆう)を競(きそ)う。
To compete for superiority in quality.
彼(かれ)は技術(ぎじゅつ)の面(めん)で優(ゆう)に立(た)っている。
He stands in a position of excellence in terms of skill.
2. 'A' grade, excellent mark
The highest grade in the traditional Japanese grading system.
テストで優(ゆう)を取(と)った。
I got an 'A' on the test.
成績(せいせき)は優(ゆう)が三(みっ)つ、良(りょう)が二(ふた)つだった。
My grades were three A's and two B's.
全科目(ぜんかもく)で優(ゆう)を取(と)るのは難(むずか)しい。
It is difficult to get an A in every subject.

優(ゆう) represents excellence or superiority. In the traditional Japanese academic grading system, it's the highest grade.

GRADING SYSTEM:

  • 優(ゆう): Excellent (A)
  • 良(りょう): Good (B)
  • 可(か): Pass (C)
  • 不可(ふか): Fail (F)

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 優勝(ゆうしょう): championship, victory
  • 優秀(ゆうしゅう): excellent, outstanding
  • 優先(ゆうせん): priority
  • 優位(ゆうい): superiority, advantage

NOTE: As a standalone character, 優(やさ)しい means 'gentle/kind.'

Related Words

Related: 優勝(ゆうしょう) (championship)
general
Added 2026.1.13 8:49 · Revised 2026.2.19 23:52
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