優れる

• Reading: すぐれる
• Romaji: sugureru
• Kanji breakdown: 優 (yuu/sugu) — excellent, superior, gentle
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.ɡɯ.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To excel; to surpass; to be superior. Being outstanding in quality or ability.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb. Most commonly encountered in its te-iru form 優れている (to be excellent/outstanding). Often used with に to specify the area of excellence. The past participle 優れた functions as an adjective meaning 'excellent.'

Examples

1. 彼女は語学の才能に優れている。 She excels in language ability.
2. 優れた作品には人の心を動かす力がある。 Outstanding works have the power to move people's hearts.
3. この製品はデザインと機能の両方に優れている。 This product excels in both design and functionality.

Usage Guide

Context: evaluation, praise, product reviews

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From the kanji 優 (yuu/sugu, excellent/gentle), which combines 人 (person) and 憂 (grief) — originally depicting someone who comforts others, later extended to mean superior or excellent.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal