Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Outstanding" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "outstanding", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
逸材
いつざい (itsuzai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
出色
しゅっしょく (shusshoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "outstanding" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 逸材 and 出色.
In Japanese, 逸材 (いつざい (itsuzai)) is typically associated with "outstanding talent, rare genius" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 群を抜いて優れた才能を持つ人物を指し、めったに現れないような才能を評価する際に使われます。.
On the other hand, 出色 (しゅっしょく (shusshoku)) maps to "outstanding, brilliant, excellent, superb" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe something or someone that stands out remarkably for being excellent or superior, often in a specific field or context. Usually in the form 「〜は出色だ」 or 「〜が出色している」.. A literal translation of "outstanding" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "逸材"
彼はこの分野において、まさに逸材と呼ぶべき存在だ。
He is truly an outstanding talent in this field.
Bilingual Context for "出色"
彼の演技は、今回の映画の中で出色だった。
His performance was outstanding in this movie.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はこの分野において、まさに ＿＿＿ と呼ぶべき存在だ。" (Meaning: "He is truly an outstanding talent in this field.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "逸材" fits here because it means "outstanding talent, rare genius" in the context of: "He is truly an outstanding talent in this field.". "出色" represents "outstanding, brilliant, excellent, superb".