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.'
ユニークな発想だね。
That's a unique idea.
彼はユニークな人で、いつもみんなを笑わせる。
He's a quirky person who always makes everyone laugh.
この会社はユニークな社風で知られており、社員の服装も自由だ。
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 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 (a unique/original idea)
- ユニークな人 (a quirky/amusing person)
- ユニークな商品 (a distinctive product)
- ユニークな取り組み (a distinctive initiative)