1.
excellent; outstanding; superb; remarkably good
Describes something that stands out as exceptionally good compared to others, often used for creative works, designs, or ideas.
秀逸なデザインだ。
It's an outstanding design.
この作品は秀逸な出来だと思う。
I think this work is superbly done.
数ある応募作の中でも、彼の小説は特に秀逸だった。
Among the many submissions, his novel was particularly outstanding.
Composed of 秀 (excel, surpass) + 逸 (outstanding, deviate). Describes something that rises above the rest in quality. Primarily used for creative or intellectual works rather than physical abilities.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 秀逸な作品: an outstanding work
- 秀逸なデザイン: an excellent design
- 秀逸な表現: a superb expression
- 秀逸なアイデア: a brilliant idea
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 優秀: excellent — broader usage, often for people's abilities or academic performance; 秀逸 typically describes works or outputs
- 素晴らしい: wonderful — everyday word of praise; 秀逸 is more formal and implies standing out from others
- 傑出: outstanding — emphasizes prominence among peers; 秀逸 emphasizes quality of execution
REGISTER:
Somewhat formal and literary. Commonly used in reviews, critiques, and evaluations of creative works.