(じょうとう)

じょうとう
na-adjective, noun
fine, excellent, first-class
1. fine, excellent, first-class
Of high quality; superior grade.
上等(じょうとう)(にく)()った
I bought high-quality meat.
これ上等(じょうとう)品物(しなもの)
This is a fine-quality item.
My grandmother showed me a fine kimono.
2. good enough, satisfactory
Acceptable or sufficient for a purpose.
これ上等(じょうとう)
This is good enough.
上等だ = that's fine, good enough
中古(ちゅうこ)でも上等(じょうとう)
Even secondhand is fine.
I think a cheap hotel is good enough if we can stay there.

USAGE: 上等(じょうとう) describes high quality or grade. Can also be used to mean "good enough" or "acceptable."

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 上等(じょうとう)な + noun (fine ~, high-quality ~)
  • これ上等(じょうとう) (this is good enough)

CONTRAST:

  • 上等(じょうとう) - first-class, fine quality
  • 普通(ふつう) - ordinary, average
  • 下等(かとう) - inferior, low-grade

SLANG: In rough speech, 上等(じょうとう)! can mean "Bring it on!" or "Fine by me!" (challenging tone).