The word 'erai' expresses admiration for someone's status, character, or effort.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe someone with high status or rank.
- Commonly used to praise children or subordinates for their efforts.
- Can also describe someone with exceptional character or achievements.
Overview
- 1概要：偉いは、単に地位が高いだけでなく、人格や成果が優れていて尊敬できる状態を指す形容詞です。日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く使われます。2) 使用パターン：主に「偉い人」のように名詞を修飾する形や、「彼は偉い」のように述語として使われます。また、「偉そうにする」のように、高圧的な態度を指す否定的な文脈でも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：子供が宿題を終えた時に「偉いね」と褒める文脈や、歴史上の人物を「偉い人」と呼ぶ文脈が代表的です。ビジネスでは、役職が高い人に対して「偉い方」と敬意を込めて使うこともあります。4) 類語との比較：「立派（りっぱ）」は行動や成果が素晴らしいという評価に重点があり、「優秀（ゆうしゅう）」は能力の高さに重点があります。「偉い」は、それらを含めた社会的地位や全体的な人間性に対する敬意が含まれる点が特徴です。
Examples
毎日早起きしてえらいね。
everydayIt's great that you wake up early every day.
彼は歴史に残る偉い人物です。
formalHe is a great historical figure.
そんなに偉そうに言わないでください。
informalPlease don't talk in such an arrogant way.
偉い方々が集まる会議に出席した。
academicI attended a meeting where high-ranking people gathered.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
偉いもんですね
It is impressive, isn't it?
偉そうに言う
To talk down to someone
偉いことだ
It is a great thing
Often Confused With
Rippa focuses on the quality of actions or appearance, whereas erai focuses on status or moral character.
Yuushu specifically refers to high ability or intelligence, while erai is broader and includes status.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Erai is versatile but register matters. Using it to praise a superior directly can sometimes sound condescending, so be careful. In casual settings, it is a very common and warm way to show approval.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'erasou' when you intend to mean 'erai'. Also, avoid calling a superior 'erai' directly in a formal speech; 'go-koushi' or similar honorifics are better. Remember that it is an adjective, so it conjugates like 'erakatta' or 'erakunai'.
Tips
Use for praise
When praising children or subordinates, use 'erai' to acknowledge their effort. It makes the listener feel valued and encouraged.
Avoid 'erasou'
Be careful not to confuse 'erai' with 'erasou'. 'Erasou' implies an arrogant attitude and is often offensive.
Respect for hierarchy
In Japan, 'erai' reflects the cultural emphasis on respecting people in higher positions. However, it is also used warmly in personal relationships.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'erabu' (to choose/select), implying someone who has been chosen for a high position or is worthy of being chosen.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, acknowledging the efforts of others is highly valued. 'Erai' is a key word for building rapport between seniors and juniors, emphasizing the importance of diligence.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Erai' as 'A-rank' (E-rank sounds like E-rai). People with high rank are 'Erai'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「すごい」は能力や状況に対して驚きを表す広い言葉ですが、「偉い」は人格や道徳的な価値、または社会的地位に対する敬意を表す言葉です。褒め言葉として使う場合、「偉い」は努力を認めるニュアンスが強くなります。
一般的には社長や政治家など社会的な地位が高い人を指します。しかし、文脈によっては、経験豊富で尊敬できる年長者を指すこともあります。
いいえ、全く違います。「偉そう」は、実際には偉くないのに偉ぶっている態度を批判する言葉です。ネガティブな意味で使われるため注意が必要です。
子供が自分で何かを成し遂げたり、良い行いをしたりした時に「よくできたね」という承認と賞賛の気持ちを伝えるために使います。
Test Yourself
毎日勉強を頑張っているあなたは本当に___。
述語として形容詞の「偉い」が適切です。
「彼は偉そうな態度をとる。」
偉そうは態度が大きく、見下すような様子を表します。
（1.偉い 2.は 3.先生 4.とても）
先生はとても偉い、という語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
The word 'erai' expresses admiration for someone's status, character, or effort.
- Used to describe someone with high status or rank.
- Commonly used to praise children or subordinates for their efforts.
- Can also describe someone with exceptional character or achievements.
Use for praise
When praising children or subordinates, use 'erai' to acknowledge their effort. It makes the listener feel valued and encouraged.
Avoid 'erasou'
Be careful not to confuse 'erai' with 'erasou'. 'Erasou' implies an arrogant attitude and is often offensive.
Respect for hierarchy
In Japan, 'erai' reflects the cultural emphasis on respecting people in higher positions. However, it is also used warmly in personal relationships.
Examples
4 of 4毎日早起きしてえらいね。
It's great that you wake up early every day.
彼は歴史に残る偉い人物です。
He is a great historical figure.
そんなに偉そうに言わないでください。
Please don't talk in such an arrogant way.
偉い方々が集まる会議に出席した。
I attended a meeting where high-ranking people gathered.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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B1The process of a country, industry, or culture losing power, strength, or vigor and moving toward a decline.
中世
B1The Middle Ages, the period between ancient and modern times.
近代
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事柄
B2A matter, affair, or a specific historical event.
王様
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遺産
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