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March 24, 2026
优秀(優秀)yōuxiù(you1xiu4)
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.
Frequency#1846DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being labeled as 优秀 is a significant honor, especially in education and the workplace, reflecting societal values that prioritize hard work and achievement.
Memory Tip
Think of 优 (yōu) as a 'you' that stands out from the rest, and 秀 (xiù) as a flower blossoming beautifully. Imagine a 'you' blooming like a flower, representing excellence in your work or character.
Meanings of 优秀
yōuxiù(you1xiu4)
1outstanding
2excellent
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About 优秀
优秀Simplified
優秀Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1846Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 优秀
Podcast: 优秀
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AI Study Notes for 优秀
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 优 (yōu) as a 'you' that stands out from the rest, and 秀 (xiù) as a flower blossoming beautifully. Imagine a 'you' blooming like a flower, representing excellence in your work or character.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being labeled as 优秀 is a significant honor, especially in education and the workplace, reflecting societal values that prioritize hard work and achievement.
Common Mistakes
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'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 优秀
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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.
Lewis emerges as a composer of distinction and sensitivity.
Cultural Notes for 优秀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being labeled as 优秀 is a significant honor, especially in education and the workplace, reflecting societal values that prioritize hard work and achievement.
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.
While it is more common in formal contexts, you can use it informally among friends to praise someone.
优秀 is more focused on quality and excellence, while 了不起 emphasizes being remarkable or impressive.
