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优异 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
优异yōuyìexceptionalHSK 6, a, 12 strokes, rank #16953, Hard
优异yōuyìoutstandingly goodHSK 6, a, 12 strokes, rank #16953, Hard
yōuyì(you1yi4)you yi T1
  1. 1exceptional
  2. 2outstandingly good
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March 24, 2026

优异(優異)yōuyì(you1yi4)

优异 (yōuyì) describes something that is exceptionally good or outstanding, often used to refer to performance, results, or qualities that surpass normal standards. It is commonly used in academic and professional contexts to highlight excellence or superior achievements.

Strokes12Frequency#16953DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, academic and professional excellence is highly valued, and the term 优异 is often used in educational settings to describe students who achieve top grades or awards, reflecting the societal emphasis on success and high standards.

Memory Tip

Imagine a trophy with the character 优 (yōu) on it, representing 'excellent' and the character 异 (yì) resembling a unique star. Together, they signify an exceptional achievement, much like winning a trophy for outstanding performance.

Meanings of 优异

yōuyì(you1yi4)
1exceptional
2outstandingly good
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 优异

优异Simplified
優異Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#16953Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 优异

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Podcast: 优异

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AI Study Notes for 优异

Quick Contrast

优秀 (xiùxiù) — use 优异 for exceptional performance that significantly surpasses standards, while 优秀 indicates being excellent or very good but not necessarily outstanding.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 优异 with similar words like 优秀 (yōuxiù), which also means excellent but may imply a broader recognition rather than strict superiority. Use 优异 in formal contexts to emphasize excellence, especially in academic reports or performance reviews.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 优异 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to performance and quality, such as 优秀 (yōuxiù) and 卓越 (zhuóyuè). Focus on using it in context to describe specific accomplishments or qualities to enhance your advanced vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 优异 with 优秀; while both mean excellent, 优异 specifically denotes exceptional quality. For example, saying '他的表现是优秀的' (tā de biǎoxiàn shì yōuxiù de) is correct, but to emphasize exceptional performance, one should say '他的表现是优异的' (tā de biǎoxiàn shì yōuyì de).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 优异

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Component Characters

优yōuexcellent
HSK 76 strokes亻
View full entry
异yìdifferent
6 strokes廾
View full entry

How to say exceptional in Chinese

“exceptional” in Chinese is优异yōuyì

优异 (yōuyì) describes something that is exceptionally good or outstanding, often used to refer to performance, results, or qualities that surpass normal standards. It is commonly used in academic and professional contexts to highlight excellence or superior achievements.

When to use 优异

Be careful not to confuse 优异 with similar words like 优秀 (yōuxiù), which also means excellent but may imply a broader recognition rather than strict superiority. Use 优异 in formal contexts to emphasize excellence, especially in academic reports or performance reviews.

优异 or something close to it

优秀 (xiùxiù) — use 优异 for exceptional performance that significantly surpasses standards, while 优秀 indicates being excellent or very good but not necessarily outstanding.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 优异 with 优秀; while both mean excellent, 优异 specifically denotes exceptional quality. For example, saying '他的表现是优秀的' (tā de biǎoxiàn shì yōuxiù de) is correct, but to emphasize exceptional performance, one should say '他的表现是优异的' (tā de biǎoxiàn shì yōuyì de).

Write 优异

优
异

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Grammar Patterns of 优异

优异 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

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虽然这次考试没考好,但是他并没有放弃,反而更加努力学习,最终取得了____的成绩。

Although he didn't do well on this exam, he didn't give up — on the contrary, he studied even harder and ultimately achieved excellent results.

Example Sentences for 优异 (2)

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1
康妮在学校表现很好,以优异的成绩毕业了。

kāng nī zài xué xiào biǎo xiàn hěn hǎo, , yǐ yōu yì de chéng jì bì yè。

Connie did well at school and graduated with honours.
2
加扎以优异的成绩获得了三级荣誉学位。

jiā zā yǐ yōu yì de chéng jì huò dé le sān jí róng yù xué wèi。

Gazza finished a creditable third.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 优异

Yes, you can use 优异 to describe people, particularly in contexts where their performance or achievements are outstanding.

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