凌駕する

• Reading: りょうがする
• Romaji: ryōga suru
• Kanji breakdown: 凌 (ryō) — to surpass, rise above; 駕 (ga) — to drive, ride over
• Pronunciation: /ɾʲoː.ɡa.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To surpass; to outdo; to eclipse. Indicates exceeding someone or something in ability, quality, or achievement.

A する verb (Group 3). Literary and emphatic — stronger than 超える or 上回る. Used when something dramatically exceeds expectations or competition. Common pattern: AがBを凌駕する (A surpasses B). Often seen in formal writing, academic comparisons, and dramatic descriptions.

Examples

1. 弟子が師匠を凌駕する日が来た。 The day came when the student surpassed the master.
2. 今年の売上は過去最高を凌駕する勢いだ。 This year's sales are on track to eclipse all-time records.
3. 人工知能が人間の能力を凌駕する可能性が議論されている。 The possibility of artificial intelligence surpassing human capabilities is being debated.

Usage Guide

Context: competition, achievement, technology

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

From Chinese 凌駕. 凌 means 'to surpass/rise above' (also: ice/cold) and 駕 means 'to drive a carriage/ride over.' Together: to ride above and beyond, to overwhelmingly surpass.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated