出世作

• Reading: しゅっせさく
• Romaji: shussesaku
• Kanji breakdown: 出世 (shusse) — rise in the world, achieve success; 作 (saku) — work
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯs.se.sa.kɯ/

Meaning

Breakthrough work; debut work that made one famous; the piece that established an artist's reputation.

Refers to the specific work — novel, film, painting, or composition — that first brought its creator to widespread recognition. Unlike 代表作 (masterpiece or most representative work), 出世作 emphasises the biographical moment of fame rather than artistic peak. A creator's 出世作 and 代表作 are not always the same work.

Examples

1. この小説が彼の出世作となり、一躍文壇に名を知られるようになった。 This novel became his breakthrough work, and he suddenly became known in literary circles.
2. 若くして出世作を発表した作家が、その後も傑作を書き続けるとは限らない。 It is not guaranteed that a writer who publishes their breakthrough work at a young age will continue producing masterpieces.
3. 映画監督の出世作は、今もって映画史に残る名作として語り継がれている。 The film director's breakthrough work is still celebrated as a masterpiece that left its mark on cinema history.

Usage Guide

Context: literary criticism, publishing, film

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 出世 (shusse, rising in the world/achieving success) and 作 (saku, work). The term 出世 originally carried Buddhist connotations of entering the world from a higher realm; it later came to mean worldly success or advancement in one's career.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated