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.
二流の選手では勝てない。
A second-rate player can't win.
あの会社は二流だと言われている。
That company is said to be second-rate.
一流の技術がなくても、二流で終わりたくないという気持ちが大切だ。
Even without top-tier skills, the desire not to end up second-rate is what matters.
USAGE:
二流 is generally negative, implying that something or someone does not meet the highest standard. It is used with の to modify nouns.
RELATED TERMS:
- 一流 (first-rate, top-class)
- 三流 (third-rate, low-quality — more strongly negative)
- 超一流 (world-class, top-tier)
NUANCE:
While 二流 literally means "second tier," it carries a negative connotation of being mediocre or not good enough. It is more blunt than 平凡 (ordinary) and less harsh than 三流.