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B1 adjective 9 Min. Lesezeit

上等な

Beispiele 上等な in 30 Sekunden
Erklärung 上等な in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 上等 (joutou) as a special way to say 'very good' or 'high quality'. While you might usually use 'ii' (good) or 'suki' (like), joutou is used when you want to talk about things that are nice, like a good shirt or tasty food. It is a 'na-adjective', so you say joutou na before a noun. For example, 'joutou na ringo' means 'a high-quality apple'. You don't need to worry about the complex meanings yet. Just remember it is a compliment for things you can touch or eat. If someone gives you something nice, you can say 'Joutou desu ne!' to show you think it is a high-grade item. It is a very polite and positive word to use when you are shopping or eating at a nice place.
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At the A2 level, you should start recognizing that 上等 (joutou) is specifically about the 'grade' or 'quality' of an item. Unlike 'kirei' (pretty) or 'oishii' (delicious), joutou tells us that the material or the way something was made is superior. You will often see this word in shops. It is important to remember the grammar: [Noun] + wa + [Joutou] + desu. For example, 'Kono kiji wa joutou desu' (This fabric is high quality). You can also use it to mean 'good enough'. If you are doing a task and your teacher says 'Joutou desu!', it means you did a great job and the quality of your work is high. Avoid using it for people; use 'shinsetsu' (kind) or 'ii' (good) instead. This word helps you sound more specific when describing things you buy.
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As a B1 learner, you can now use 上等 (joutou) to express nuances of satisfaction and material superiority. At this level, you should distinguish between joutou (high grade/quality) and koukyuu (high class/luxury). Use joutou when you want to praise the craftsmanship of an object, like a well-woven basket or a finely tailored suit. You should also be aware of the phrase 'Sore de joutou da', which means 'That is more than sufficient' or 'That will do perfectly'. This shows a pragmatic understanding of quality. You might also encounter the more 'rough' usage in media where it means 'Bring it on!', though you should be careful using that yourself. Focus on using it in culinary, textile, and gift-giving contexts to elevate your Japanese.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 上等 (joutou) in various social registers. You understand that it carries a slightly traditional tone and is often used by older people or professionals to denote a specific standard of excellence. You can use it in business contexts to describe product specifications or the quality of materials being used in production. You should also be able to understand its use in literature or news where it might describe a 'first-class' solution to a problem. At this level, you should also be aware of its antonyms like 'soshina' (poor gift - used humbly) and how joutou fits into the broader spectrum of evaluative adjectives like yuushuu, sugureta, and rippa. Your usage should reflect an understanding of both material quality and the 'satisfaction' nuance.
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At the C1 level, your mastery of 上等 (joutou) should include an appreciation of its historical context and its role in Japanese 'monozukuri' (craftsmanship) culture. You should understand how the word evolved from a rigid grading system to a general term of high praise. You can use it to discuss the philosophical difference between 'luxury' (koukyuu) and 'quality' (joutou), perhaps in an essay or a high-level discussion about consumerism. You should also be sensitive to the 'arrogant' or 'challenging' nuance it can take in certain masculine dialects or subcultures. Your ability to use joutou in the 'more than enough' sense should be seamless, reflecting a deep understanding of Japanese pragmatism where 'superior' is often defined by the context of the need rather than an absolute scale.
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At the C2 level, 上等 (joutou) is a tool for precise linguistic coloring. You can use it to evoke a specific atmosphere—perhaps one of traditional elegance or, conversely, one of gritty defiance. You understand the subtle sociolinguistic implications of choosing joutou over modern loanwords or more clinical terms like ryoushitsu. You are capable of analyzing its use in classical modern literature (like Soseki or Akutagawa) where it might reflect the class structures of the Meiji or Taisho eras. In professional settings, you use it to validate quality in a way that sounds authoritative yet culturally grounded. You also understand the irony when it is used sarcastically to describe something that is clearly not high quality, demonstrating a complete grasp of Japanese humor and social subtext.
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Beispiele

上等な in 30 Sekunden

  • Joutou means 'high quality' or 'top grade'.
  • It is a na-adjective used for goods, food, and results.
  • In slang, it can mean 'Bring it on!' as a challenge.
  • It differs from 'Koukyuu' (luxury) by focusing on craftsmanship.

The Japanese word 上等 (joutou) is a versatile na-adjective that primarily signifies high quality, superiority, or excellence. At its linguistic core, the word is composed of two kanji: 上 (jou), meaning 'up' or 'superior', and 等 (tou), meaning 'class', 'grade', or 'rank'. Together, they literally translate to 'top grade' or 'first class'. While it is frequently used to describe physical objects that are well-made or luxurious, it carries a broader range of social and psychological nuances than its English counterparts like 'high-quality' or 'excellent'.

Material Quality
When describing goods, joutou implies that the materials used are of a superior nature. For example, a joutou na kiji (high-quality fabric) suggests a texture and durability that surpasses standard commercial products. It is the language of the connoisseur and the artisan.

このレストランでは、非常に上等な肉を扱っています。(This restaurant handles extremely high-quality meat.)

Beyond physical goods, joutou is used to express satisfaction with a result or a state of affairs. In this context, it often takes the form 'sore de joutou da', which translates to 'That's more than enough' or 'That's perfectly fine'. This usage suggests that while something might not be perfect in an absolute sense, it meets a high enough standard to be considered superior for the current needs. It reflects a pragmatic appreciation for quality that is 'good enough' to be called 'excellent'.

Interpersonal Dynamics
In more informal or even confrontational settings, particularly in anime or manga, you might hear the phrase 'Joutou da!'. Here, the meaning shifts toward 'Fine by me!' or 'Bring it on!'. It implies that the speaker accepts a challenge and considers the situation or the opponent to be a worthy (or 'superior') match for their skills.

Historically, joutou was part of a formal grading system used in schools and industry, alongside chuutou (middle grade) and katou (lower grade). While katou has largely fallen out of polite conversation because it sounds derogatory, joutou has survived as a standalone adjective of praise. This historical baggage gives the word a slightly traditional or 'old-school' feel compared to the more modern and loanword-heavy haikuariti (high quality).

祖母はいつも上等なお茶を淹れてくれました。(My grandmother always brewed high-quality tea for us.)

Social Register
The word sits comfortably in the middle of the formality scale. It is polite enough for business but common enough for home life. However, because it implies a judgment of 'class', it is rarely used to describe people directly (e.g., calling a person 'joutou' is rare; you would use 'yuushuu' for talented or 'rippa' for admirable instead).

Using 上等な (joutou na) correctly requires understanding its role as a na-adjective (adjectival noun). This means that when it modifies a noun directly, you must include the particle な (na). When it ends a sentence, it is followed by だ (da), です (desu), or other forms of the copula. Because the word implies a high standard, it is often paired with adverbs of degree like totemo (very), zuibun (considerably), or nakanaka (quite).

Modifying Nouns
The most common structure is [Joutou na] + [Noun]. This is used to elevate the status of the noun in question. It is frequently seen in culinary contexts, textile descriptions, and gift-giving etiquette.

お土産に上等なお菓子をいただいた。(I received some high-quality sweets as a souvenir.)

When used as a predicate (at the end of a sentence), joutou often expresses a sense of completion or 'surpassing the minimum requirement'. If someone asks if a simple solution is acceptable, replying with 'Joutou desu' implies that the solution is actually better than what was expected.

The 'Enough' Nuance
In everyday conversation, joutou can mean 'perfectly adequate' or 'more than I deserve'. For example: 'A: Is this old computer okay? B: Joutou da yo! (It's more than enough!)'. This usage is slightly informal and very common among friends.

この出来栄えなら、上等ですよ。(Given the circumstances, this result is excellent.)

In formal writing or business reports, joutou might be used to categorize products or services. You will see it on menus (Joutou-karu - superior curry) or in product catalogs. In these cases, it serves as a technical grade rather than just a subjective opinion.

Negative and Past Forms
To say something is NOT high quality, you use joutou dewa arimasen or joutou janai. However, it is more common to use a different word like yasumono (cheap thing) or shitsu ga warui (bad quality) rather than negating joutou.

こんなに上等な品物を借りてもいいのですか？(Is it really okay for me to borrow such a high-quality item?)

The word 上等 (joutou) echoes through various layers of Japanese society, from the hushed aisles of high-end department stores to the loud, energetic world of shonen anime. Understanding where you encounter it helps in grasping its emotional weight. In a commercial setting, particularly in depachika (department store food halls), joutou is a marketing staple. It signals to the customer that the item—whether it be a box of melons or a cut of Wagyu—has passed a certain threshold of excellence.

Traditional Crafts and Textiles
If you visit a kimono shop in Kyoto, the clerks will often use joutou to describe the silk or the dyeing technique. Here, it conveys a sense of heritage and meticulous labor. It isn't just about the price; it's about the 'grade' of the craftsmanship.

この着物は、大変上等な絹で作られています。(This kimono is made from very high-quality silk.)

Switching gears to pop culture, joutou takes on a more aggressive, masculine tone. In 'Yankee' (delinquent) culture or battle-themed manga, the phrase 'Joutou da kora!' (Fine then, let's go!) is iconic. In this context, the 'quality' being referred to is the quality of the fight or the challenge. It suggests that the speaker is not intimidated and actually welcomes the difficult situation as a 'superior' opportunity to prove themselves.

Daily Domestic Life
In many Japanese homes, joutou is used by older generations to describe a good find or a well-cooked meal. A grandmother might look at a discounted but fresh fish and say, 'Kore wa joutou da' (This is a great find/high quality). It carries a sense of appreciative satisfaction.

「安かったけど、このタオルは上等だね。」("It was cheap, but this towel is high quality, isn't it?")

In the workplace, you might hear a supervisor say, 'Kore dake dekireba joutou da' (If you can do this much, it's excellent/more than enough). This is a common way to provide positive reinforcement while acknowledging that perfection wasn't necessarily the goal, but the effort or result reached a superior level regardless.

Culinary Menus
Look for the characters 上等 on menus for items like Tonkatsu or Soba. It usually indicates a 'premium' version of the dish, often featuring better cuts of meat or specialized ingredients.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 上等 (joutou) with 高級 (koukyuu). While both can be translated as 'high quality' or 'premium', their nuances are distinct. Koukyuu specifically refers to 'high class' or 'luxury' in terms of price, brand, and social status. Joutou, on the other hand, focuses on the intrinsic quality and grade of the material or work itself. You can have something that is joutou (well-made) without it being koukyuu (expensive/luxury).

Mistake: Describing People
Learners often try to say 'He is a high-quality person' using joutou na hito. This sounds very strange in Japanese, almost as if you are grading the person like a piece of meat. To describe a person's excellence, use yuushuu na (talented/excellent) or subarashii (wonderful).

❌ 彼は上等な学生です。 (He is a high-quality student.)
✅ 彼は優秀な学生です。 (He is an excellent student.)

Another common error is the grammatical treatment of the word. Because it ends in 'ou', some learners mistakenly treat it like an i-adjective (e.g., joutou-i). It is strictly a na-adjective. Additionally, using it to describe abstract concepts like 'a high-quality idea' is possible but less common than using sugureta (superior/outstanding).

Tone Mismatch
Using 'Joutou da!' in a polite business meeting when you mean 'That sounds great' is a significant register error. As mentioned before, 'Joutou da' is often a challenge or a very casual 'That's plenty'. In a formal setting, stick to 'Sore de juubun desu' (That is sufficient) or 'Subarashii desu'.

Finally, avoid using joutou for things that are naturally beautiful, like a sunset or a flower. For these, utsukushii (beautiful) or kirei (pretty) are appropriate. Joutou implies a standard of production or a level of utility, so it feels out of place when applied to natural beauty that wasn't 'graded' or 'manufactured'.

❌ 上等な夕焼けですね。 (A high-quality sunset.)
✅ 美しい夕焼けですね。 (A beautiful sunset.)

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing 'goodness' and 'quality'. Understanding the alternatives to 上等 (joutou) allows for more precise communication. While joutou is excellent for materials and outcomes, other words fill the gaps for luxury, talent, and aesthetic beauty.

高級 (Koukyuu)
Often confused with joutou, this word focuses on high price and prestige. Use koukyuu for luxury cars (koukyuusha), five-star hotels (koukyuu hoteru), and expensive brands. It suggests an elite status.
優秀 (Yuushuu)
This is the go-to word for 'excellence' in people, skills, or performance. A 'yuushuu' student is smart and high-achieving. A 'yuushuu' software might be technically superior in its logic. It is rarely used for physical materials like cloth or wood.

彼は非常に優秀なエンジニアだ。(He is an extremely excellent engineer.)

For general 'wonderful' or 'splendid' feelings, 立派 (rippa) is a fantastic alternative. It carries a sense of being 'praiseworthy' or 'grand'. If someone builds a big, sturdy house, you would call it rippa na ie. If someone behaves honorably, they are rippa na hito.

良質 (Ryoushitsu)
This literally means 'good quality'. It is more clinical and objective than joutou. You see it in scientific contexts or health discussions, like ryoushitsu na suimin (good quality sleep) or ryoushitsu na tanpakushitsu (good quality protein).

In casual speech, many people simply use いい (ii) or すごい (sugoi). However, using joutou adds a layer of sophistication and specific appreciation for the 'grade' of the thing being discussed. If you want to say something is 'top-tier' in a modern sense, you might use 最高 (saikou), which means 'the best' or 'the highest'.

このワイン、最高だね！(This wine is the best/highest!)

Aussprachehilfe

UK /dʒəʊ.toʊ/
US /dʒoʊ.toʊ/
Flat pitch (Heiban) in standard Japanese, but can vary by dialect.
Reimt sich auf
Koutou (high level) Chuutou (middle level) Houtou (extravagance) Routou (roadside) Toutou (etcetera) Goutou (robbery) Soutou (considerable) Boutou (sudden rise)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing it as 'joto' (short o) instead of 'joutou' (long o).
  • Treating it as an i-adjective (joutoui).
  • Confusing the pitch accent with 'joutou' (proper/usual).
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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

これは上等なペンです。

This is a high-quality pen.

Joutou is a na-adjective, so 'na' is used before 'pen'.

2

上等なお菓子を買いました。

I bought some high-quality sweets.

Modifying the noun 'okashi' with 'joutou na'.

3

このお茶はとても上等です。

This tea is very high quality.

Using 'joutou' as a predicate with 'desu'.

4

上等な服を着ていますね。

You are wearing high-quality clothes, aren't you?

A polite compliment using 'joutou na'.

5

母に上等なタオルをあげました。

I gave my mother high-quality towels.

Using 'joutou na' to describe a gift.

6

このお肉は上等ですか？

Is this meat high quality?

Asking a question about quality.

7

上等なリンゴは高いです。

High-quality apples are expensive.

Subject of the sentence is 'joutou na ringo'.

8

それは上等な考えですね。

That is a great (high-quality) idea.

Metaphorical use for an idea.

1

上等なワインを一杯飲みました。

I drank a glass of high-quality wine.

Using 'joutou na' to specify the grade of wine.

2

このカバンは上等な革でできています。

This bag is made of high-quality leather.

Describing the material of an object.

3

上等なプレゼントを選びたいです。

I want to choose a high-quality present.

Expressing a desire to find something of high grade.

4

テストの結果は、これで上等です。

As for the test results, this is excellent (more than enough).

Using 'joutou' to mean 'satisfactory/excellent'.

5

上等なホテルに泊まってみたいです。

I want to try staying at a high-quality hotel.

Note: 'Koukyuu' is also common here, but 'joutou' emphasizes the quality of service/build.

6

このカメラは古いですが、上等な物です。

This camera is old, but it is a high-quality item.

Contrasting age with quality.

7

上等な紙に手紙を書きました。

I wrote a letter on high-quality paper.

Describing the quality of stationary.

8

料理に上等な油を使います。

I use high-quality oil for cooking.

Describing a cooking ingredient.

1

これだけ準備ができれば上等だよ。

If we've prepared this much, it's more than enough.

The 'satisfactory/sufficient' nuance of joutou.

2

上等な絹の着物は手入れが大変です。

High-quality silk kimonos are difficult to maintain.

Describing a specific traditional high-quality item.

3

彼はいつも上等な靴を履いている。

He is always wearing high-quality shoes.

Describing someone's personal belongings.

4

この値段でこの味なら上等だ。

For this price, this taste is excellent (better than expected).

Evaluating value for money.

5

上等な家具は一生使えます。

High-quality furniture can be used for a lifetime.

Discussing the durability of high-quality goods.

6

祖父は上等なタバコを好んでいた。

My grandfather preferred high-quality tobacco.

Describing a personal preference for quality.

7

あまり上等な言葉遣いではありませんね。

That's not very high-quality (refined) language, is it?

Metaphorical use for the 'quality' of speech/manners.

8

喧嘩を売るなら上等だ！

If you're looking for a fight, bring it on!

Slang usage meaning 'challenge accepted'.

1

上等な部類の製品と言えるでしょう。

It can be said that it is a product of the high-quality category.

Using 'burui' (category) with joutou in a formal evaluation.

2

この素材は、上等な仕上げが施されている。

This material has been given a high-quality finish.

Passive voice with a focus on manufacturing quality.

3

上等なサービスを提供することが我々の目標です。

Our goal is to provide high-quality service.

Using joutou in a business mission statement.

4

見た目は地味だが、中身は非常に上等だ。

It looks plain, but the contents are very high quality.

Contrasting appearance with internal quality.

5

上等な教育を受ける機会が必要だ。

Opportunities to receive high-quality education are necessary.

Using joutou for abstract services like education.

6

その条件で合意できるなら、我々としては上等です。

If we can agree on those terms, it's more than satisfactory for us.

Using joutou to express business satisfaction/agreement.

7

上等な筆致で描かれた見事な絵画だ。

It is a splendid painting executed with high-quality brushwork.

Using joutou to describe artistic technique.

8

そんな上等な言い訳が通用すると思うのか？

Do you think such a 'high-quality' (elaborate) excuse will pass?

Sarcastic use of joutou.

1

上等な品を贈ることは、相手への敬意の表れです。

Gifting a high-quality item is an expression of respect for the recipient.

Discussing the cultural significance of quality in gift-giving.

2

職人の手による上等な仕事ぶりが伺える。

One can see the high-quality workmanship of the artisan.

Focusing on the 'manner of work' (shigotoburi).

3

上等な暮らしとは、単に贅沢をすることではない。

A high-quality life is not simply about being luxurious.

Philosophical discussion of 'quality of life'.

4

その論文は、上等な論理構成で貫かれている。

The thesis is maintained with a high-quality logical structure.

Applying joutou to intellectual structure.

5

上等なユーモアには、深い洞察力が欠かせない。

Deep insight is indispensable for high-quality humor.

Describing the quality of abstract wit.

6

彼は、上等な趣味を持っていることで知られている。

He is known for having high-quality (refined) hobbies.

Describing the 'grade' of someone's interests.

7

この生地の持つ上等な光沢は、他では出せない。

The high-quality luster of this fabric cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Describing a unique physical property of quality.

8

上等な結末を期待していたが、現実は甘くなかった。

I was expecting a high-quality (perfect) ending, but reality wasn't so kind.

Using joutou for an ideal outcome.

1

上等な精神性を備えた人物こそが、真のリーダーだ。

A person endowed with a high-quality (superior) spirituality is a true leader.

Highly abstract use of joutou for character/spirituality.

2

その建築物は、上等な美学に基づいて設計されている。

The building is designed based on a high-quality (refined) aesthetic.

Discussing architectural philosophy.

3

上等な皮肉を解するだけの教養が彼にはある。

He has enough education to appreciate high-quality irony.

Describing the 'grade' of irony and wit.

4

政治家としての資質が、上等であるとは言い難い。

It is difficult to say that his qualities as a politician are of a high grade.

Critiquing professional qualities.

5

上等な和紙の放つ独特の風合いに魅了される。

I am captivated by the unique texture emitted by high-quality washi paper.

Sensory description of high-quality traditional materials.

6

上等な沈黙が、饒舌な言葉よりも多くを語ることがある。

A high-quality (profound) silence can sometimes say more than loquacious words.

Metaphorical use of quality applied to silence.

7

この作品の持つ上等な品格は、作者の魂の反映だ。

The high-quality dignity of this work is a reflection of the author's soul.

Linking quality (joutou) with dignity (hinkaku).

8

上等な虚構は、時に真実よりも真実味を帯びる。

A high-quality fiction sometimes bears more truth than reality itself.

Literary theory context.

Häufige Kollokationen

上等な生地
上等な肉
上等なワイン
上等な品
これで上等だ
上等な仕上がり
上等な暮らし
上等な紙
上等な趣味
上等な教育

Häufige Phrasen

上等だ！

— Bring it on! / Fine by me! (Challenge accepted).

「勝負しろ！」「上等だ！」

これで上等です

— This is more than sufficient/excellent for the purpose.

初心者にはこれで上等です。

上等な部類

— Belonging to a high-quality category.

これは上等な部類の酒だ。

上等な出来

— A high-quality result or completion.

初めてにしては上等な出来だ。

上等な口をきく

— To speak in a refined (or sarcastically superior) way.

子供のくせに上等な口をきく。

上等な扱い

— High-quality or superior treatment.

お客様として上等な扱いを受ける。

上等な物言い

— A superior or haughty way of speaking.

上等な物言いが鼻につく。

上等な暮らしぶり

— A high-quality or refined lifestyle.

彼女の上等な暮らしぶりが伺える。

上等な教育環境

— A high-quality educational environment.

上等な教育環境を整える。

上等な贈り物

— A high-quality gift.

上等な贈り物を頂いた。

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"上等だ"

— Accepting a challenge or expressing that a situation is favorable for a fight.

喧嘩を売るなら上等だ。

Slang/Rough
"これで上等"

— Expressing that something is perfectly adequate, often better than expected.

安物だけど、これで上等だ。

Casual
"上等な口をきく"

— To talk big or speak in a manner above one's station.

新人のくせに上等な口をきくな。

Informal/Hostile
"上等な部類に入る"

— To be considered among the best of its kind.

彼の作品は上等な部類に入る。

Neutral
"上等な仕上がりを見せる"

— To show a high level of completion or quality.

新製品は上等な仕上がりを見せている。

Formal
"上等な趣味をお持ちで"

— A polite way to compliment someone's refined tastes.

上等な趣味をお持ちですね。

Formal/Polite
"上等な暮らしを立てる"

— To establish a high-quality, comfortable life.

彼は都会で上等な暮らしを立てている。

Neutral
"上等な教育を施す"

— To provide a high-quality upbringing or education.

子供に上等な教育を施したい。

Formal
"上等な扱いをする"

— To treat someone with high respect or as a VIP.

ゲストを上等な扱いでもてなす。

Neutral
"上等な身なり"

— Dressing in high-quality, elegant clothing.

彼はいつも上等な身なりをしている。

Neutral

Wortfamilie

Substantive

上等 (High quality/Superiority)
等級 (Grade/Rank)
平等 (Equality)

Adjektive

上
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