優秀(ゆうしゅう)な

A な-adjective from the noun 優秀(ゆうしゅう), composed of 優(ゆう) (superior, gentle) + 秀(しゅう) (excel, outstanding). One of the most common words for praising someone's abilities or achievements.

Usage

Used mainly for people and their abilities or work. Less commonly applied to physical objects. Often appears in formal evaluations, academic contexts, and business language. Can be used as a noun modifier (優秀(ゆうしゅう)な人材(じんざい)) or as a predicate (成績(せいせき)が優秀(ゆうしゅう)だ).

Common collocations

• 優秀(ゆうしゅう)な人材(じんざい) — talented personnel
• 優秀(ゆうしゅう)な成績(せいせき) — excellent grades
• 優秀(ゆうしゅう)賞(しょう) — excellence award
• 成績(せいせき)優秀者(ゆうしゅうしゃ) — top achiever, honors student

Similar words

• 優(すぐ)れた — excellent, superior (broader usage; can describe things and qualities)
• 有能(ゆうのう)な — competent, capable (emphasizes practical ability over academic achievement)
• 秀逸(しゅういつ)な — superb, exceptional (more literary; often for creative works)