ユニーク

ゆにーく

na-adjective

unique, distinctive

1. unique, distinctive, original, amusing

Describes something or someone that stands out as one-of-a-kind, original, or interestingly different. In Japanese, ユニーク often carries a positive, lighthearted nuance closer to 'amusing' or 'quirky' rather than just 'one of a kind.'

ユニークな発想(はっそう)だね。

That's a unique idea.

彼(かれ)はユニークな人(ひと)で、いつもみんなを笑(わら)わせる。

He's a quirky person who always makes everyone laugh.

この会社(かいしゃ)はユニークな社風(しゃふう)で知(し)られており、社員(しゃいん)の服装(ふくそう)も自由(じゆう)だ。

This company is known for its distinctive corporate culture, and employees are free to dress as they like.

False friend: In English, "unique" primarily means "one of a kind" or "unlike anything else." In Japanese, ユニーク has a broader and often lighter nuance. It frequently means "amusing," "quirky," or "entertainingly different" — closer to English "funny" or "original" than strictly "unique."

For example, ユニークな人(ひと) typically means an amusing or quirky person, not necessarily someone who is one of a kind.

Common collocations

ユニークな発想(はっそう) (a unique/original idea)
ユニークな人(ひと) (a quirky/amusing person)
ユニークな商品(しょうひん) (a distinctive product)
ユニークな取(と)り組(く)み (a distinctive initiative)

Related Words

Compare: 独特(どくとく) (unique, peculiar, distinctive)

Compare: 固有(こゆう) (inherent)

Compare: 個性的(こせいてき) (unique)

Compare: 風変(ふうが)わり (unusual)

general

Added 2026.2.16 11:03 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

11000/11393_yuniiku