奇抜

• Reading: きばつ
• Romaji: kibatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 奇 (ki) — strange, odd, wondrous; 抜 (batsu/nu) — outstanding, to stand out, surpass
• Pronunciation: /ki.ba.tsɯ/

Meaning

Eccentric; novel; unconventional; strikingly original. Describes ideas, designs, or behaviour that are unusually creative and far outside the mainstream norm.

A na-adjective describing something that stands out sharply due to its originality or unusualness. Unlike 変 (strange/weird), 奇抜 often carries a note of admiration for creativity, though it can also imply excessive unconventionality. Frequently used in art, design, fashion, and the world of ideas. Nuance shifts between positive (daringly creative) and mildly critical (too eccentric) based on context.

Examples

1. 彼女の奇抜なファッションは、いつも街行く人の視線を集める。 Her unconventional fashion sense always draws the eyes of passers-by on the street.
2. その奇抜なアイデアが評価され、デザインコンペで優勝した。 The strikingly original idea was recognised, and it won first place in the design competition.
3. 奇抜な演出で知られる演出家の新作が話題になっている。 The new work by a director known for eccentric productions has become a talking point.

Usage Guide

Context: art, fashion, design, ideas

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 奇 (remarkably unusual, wondrous) and 抜 (to stand out, surpass). Together they describe something that dramatically outstrips convention by sheer unconventionality.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Creative