優越(ゆうえつ)

ゆうえつ
noun
superiority; predominance
1. superiority; predominance
The state of being superior to or surpassing others in ability, status, or quality.
優越感(ゆうえつかん)に浸(ひた)る。
To bask in a sense of superiority.
技術的(ぎじゅつてき)な優越(ゆうえつ)を保(たも)つのは難(むずか)しい。
It's difficult to maintain technological superiority.
他人(たにん)に対(たい)する優越感(ゆうえつかん)は、実(じつ)は自信(じしん)のなさの裏返(うらがえ)しであることが多(おお)い。
A sense of superiority over others is often actually a reflection of a lack of self-confidence.

Composed of 優(ゆう) (superior, excellent) + 越(えつ) (surpass, exceed). Most commonly encountered in the compound 優越感(ゆうえつかん) (sense/feeling of superiority), which is one of the most frequently used psychology-related terms in everyday Japanese.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 優越感(ゆうえつかん): sense of superiority
  • 優越感(ゆうえつかん)に浸(ひた)る: to revel in a sense of superiority
  • 優越感(ゆうえつかん)を抱(いだ)く: to harbor a sense of superiority
  • 優越(ゆうえつ)した立場(たちば): a superior position
  • 軍事的(ぐんじてき)優越(ゆうえつ): military superiority

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 劣等感(れっとうかん): inferiority complex — the opposite feeling
  • 優位(ゆうい): advantage, dominance — focuses on position rather than feeling
  • 上回(うわまわ)る: to exceed, to surpass — a verb describing the action of being superior
general
Added 2026.3.29 3:12
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