二流(にりゅう)

にりゅう
noun, no-adjective
second-rate; second-class
evaluation
1. second-rate; second-class; mediocre
Not of the highest quality or rank. Used to describe people, things, or organizations that fall short of top-tier standards.
二流(にりゅう)の選手(せんしゅ)では勝(か)てない。
A second-rate player can't win.
あの会社(かいしゃ)は二流(にりゅう)だと言(い)われている。
That company is said to be second-rate.
一流(いちりゅう)の技術(ぎじゅつ)がなくても、二流(にりゅう)で終(お)わりたくないという気持(きも)ちが大切(たいせつ)だ。
Even without top-tier skills, the desire not to end up second-rate is what matters.

Usage

二流(にりゅう) is generally negative, implying that something or someone does not meet the highest standard. It is used with の to modify nouns.
While 二流(にりゅう) literally means "second tier," it carries a negative connotation of being mediocre or not good enough. It is more blunt than 平凡(へいぼん) (ordinary) and less harsh than 三流(さんりゅう).

Related words

Related Words

Antonym: 一流(いちりゅう) (first-rate)
Related: 超一流(ちょういちりゅう) (world-class, top-tier)
general
Added 2026.3.6 17:51 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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