Meanings of 优秀
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About 优秀
Podcast: 优秀
Podcast: 优秀
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AI study notes for 优秀
卓越 (zhuóyuè) - use 优秀 when describing someone or something that is excellent in a general sense, while 卓越 emphasizes exceptional or surpassing qualities.
Be careful to use 优秀 in positive contexts; using it sarcastically can confuse the meaning. It typically appears in formal settings, such as reports or awards, and is often paired with words like '学生' (student) or '表现' (performance).
As an HSK 4 word, 优秀 connects to other descriptive adjectives that indicate quality or performance, such as 好 (good) and 强 (strong). Focus on using it to elevate your descriptions of people and their achievements.
Learners often confuse 优秀 with 好, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying '他是一个好学生' (He is a good student) is correct, but using '他是一个优秀好学生' (He is an excellent good student) is redundant and incorrect; just say '他是一个优秀学生'.
Pronunciation of 优秀
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Jason Explains 优秀 to you
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component characters
How to say outstanding in Chinese
“outstanding” in Chinese is优秀
优秀 (yōuxiù) means outstanding or excellent and is used to describe someone or something that stands out due to quality or performance. Commonly used in academic, professional, or personal contexts, it conveys a sense of high achievement or superiority.
When to use 优秀
Be careful to use 优秀 in positive contexts; using it sarcastically can confuse the meaning. It typically appears in formal settings, such as reports or awards, and is often paired with words like '学生' (student) or '表现' (performance).
优秀 or something close to it
卓越 (zhuóyuè) - use 优秀 when describing someone or something that is excellent in a general sense, while 卓越 emphasizes exceptional or surpassing qualities.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 优秀 with 好, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying '他是一个好学生' (He is a good student) is correct, but using '他是一个优秀好学生' (He is an excellent good student) is redundant and incorrect; just say '他是一个优秀学生'.
Write 优秀
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Practice writing 优秀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 优秀
优秀 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我觉得她不但长得非常漂亮，而且还有很多____品质。
I think she has many good qualities besides being very beautiful.
Example sentences for 优秀 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 优秀
No, 优秀 is generally reserved for people, performances, or work. For food, you might use 好吃 (hǎochī) instead.
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