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March 24, 2026
一流yīliú(yi1liu2)
一流 (yī liú) refers to something of the highest quality or standard, often used to describe top-tier services, products, or individuals. It conveys excellence and superiority in a competitive context, such as in business or education.
Frequency#5200DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 一流 is tied to the Chinese cultural emphasis on excellence and hard work, especially in education and business. Achieving a 一流 status is often a goal for many companies and institutions in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a first-rate 'one flow' of water, perfectly clear and sparkling. The character 一 (yī) represents 'one,' and 流 (liú) means 'flow,' suggesting that this is the top flow, the best among all.
Meanings of 一流
yīliú(yi1liu2)
1top quality
2front ranking
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 一流
一流Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#5200Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 一流
Podcast: 一流
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AI Study Notes for 一流
Quick Contrast
一流 (yīliú) vs 顶级 (dǐngjí) — use 一流 for general excellence in various contexts, while 顶级 specifically emphasizes the highest tier or level in a competitive ranking.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a first-rate 'one flow' of water, perfectly clear and sparkling. The character 一 (yī) represents 'one,' and 流 (liú) means 'flow,' suggesting that this is the top flow, the best among all.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 一流 with similar terms like 二流 (èr liú), which means second-rate. It's typically used in formal contexts, such as in business presentations or academic evaluations. Common collocations include 一流的服务 (yī liú de fúwù) for 'first-class service.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 一流 connects well with other terms related to quality and ranking, such as 优秀 (yōuxiù, outstanding) or 顶尖 (dǐngjiān, top-notch). Focus on using it in contrast with other quality descriptors to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
The concept of 一流 is tied to the Chinese cultural emphasis on excellence and hard work, especially in education and business. Achieving a 一流 status is often a goal for many companies and institutions in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 一流 incorrectly with negative contexts, such as saying 一流的失败 (yī liú de shībài) which translates to 'top-quality failure.' The correct term for a failure would not be paired with 一流.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 一流
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Grammar Patterns of 一流
一流 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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 4
Complete the Sentence
这辆自行车品质____，外观漂亮，有一些细节之处与众不同。
The bike has style, it has looks, it has its little idiosyncrasies.
Five leading fighter pilots have been captured and paraded before the media.
3
你不得不佩服她那一流的绘画水平。
nǐ bù dé bù pèi fú tā nà yī liú de huì huà shuǐ píng。
You have to admire her superb draughtsmanship.
4
他的新角色会确保他跻身我们的一流演员之列。
tā de xīn jiǎo sè huì què bǎo tā jī shēn wǒ mén de yī liú yǎn yuán zhī liè。
His new role could confirm him as one of our leading actors.
5
我们因提供的服务水准一流一直经营得很成功。
wǒ mén yīn tí gōng de fú wù shuǐ zhǔn yī liú yī zhí jīng yíng dé hěn chéng gōng。
We have been successful because we are offering a quality service.
Cultural Notes for 一流
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 一流 is tied to the Chinese cultural emphasis on excellence and hard work, especially in education and business. Achieving a 一流 status is often a goal for many companies and institutions in China.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一流
Yes, 一流 can describe individuals, especially in professional contexts, indicating that someone is top-notch in their field.
Yes, 一流 has a positive connotation, meaning it denotes excellence and high quality.
You can say 一流的产品 (yī liú de chǎnpǐn) to mean 'top-quality products'.
