一流(いちりゅう)

一流(いちりゅう) describes something of the highest rank, quality, or caliber. It modifies nouns with の or directly as a compound.

Forms

一(いち) (one, first) + 流(りゅう) (rank, class)

Common collocations

• 一流(いちりゅう)ホテル: first-class hotel
• 一流(いちりゅう)企業(きぎょう): top-tier company
• 一流(いちりゅう)の料理人(りょうりにん): first-class chef
• 一流(いちりゅう)大学(だいがく): top university
• 一流(いちりゅう)選手(せんしゅ): top-class athlete

Rank series

• 一流(いちりゅう): first-class, top tier
• 二流(にりゅう): second-rate
• 三流(さんりゅう): third-rate (often derogatory)

Usage

Always positive when used for 一流(いちりゅう). 二流(にりゅう) and 三流(さんりゅう) carry negative connotations. The word can describe people, places, institutions, or skills.