優 越(ゆうえつ)

ゆうえつ

noun

superiority; predominance

emotion abstract evaluation

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

Related Words

Compare: 劣等感(れっとうかん) (inferiority complex)

Compare: 優位(ゆうい) (advantage, dominance)

Compare: 上回(うわまわ)る (to exceed, to surpass)

general

Added 2026.3.29 3:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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