杰出

• Pinyin: jié chū
• Hanzi breakdown: 杰 = 木 (wood) + 桀 (phonetic), outstanding person; 出 = pictograph of foot leaving cave, to emerge

Meaning

Outstanding; distinguished; remarkable. Describes exceptional talent or achievement.

A formal, elevated adjective used to praise people who have achieved remarkable success in their field. Often appears in official commendations, award ceremonies, and biographical descriptions. Common collocations include 杰出人物 (outstanding figure), 杰出贡献 (outstanding contribution), and 杰出成就 (remarkable achievement).

Examples

1. 她被评为年度杰出科学家，这是对她多年研究的最好肯定。 She was named Outstanding Scientist of the Year, the best recognition of her years of research.
2. 这位杰出的企业家白手起家，最终建立了一个商业帝国。 This distinguished entrepreneur started from nothing and eventually built a business empire.
3. 他在音乐领域的杰出成就让他获得了国际声誉。 His outstanding achievements in the field of music have earned him international recognition.

Usage Guide

Context: awards, biography, official

Tone: commendatory

Do Say

• 他是一位杰出的外交家。(He is an outstanding diplomat.)
• 我们要向这些杰出人才学习。(We should learn from these distinguished talents.)

Don't Say

• 用杰出形容普通事物，如'这顿饭做得很杰出' (杰出 is reserved for significant achievements — use 出色 or 优秀 for everyday excellence)

Origin & History

Compound of 杰 (outstanding person, hero) + 出 (to emerge, to stand out). Literally 'a hero emerges' — describes someone who rises above others.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal