Translation guide
The English word 'exceptional' can mean unusually good, outstanding, or extraordinary, but it can also refer to something that is an exception or unusual in a neutral or negative sense. This guide focuses on the positive sense of 'exceptionally good' as it is the most common use for learners, while also covering the neutral/negative sense and related expressions.
To describe someone or something as far above average in quality, ability, or performance.
Literally 'out of the ordinary', this is a common and natural way to say someone or something is exceptional in a positive sense, emphasizing that it stands out from the norm.
彼女は並外れた才能を持っている。
She has exceptional talent.
彼は並外れた努力で成功した。
He succeeded through exceptional effort.
Means 'outstanding' or 'preeminent'. Often used for skills, knowledge, or achievements that are far above others. Slightly formal.
彼は卓越した技術を持っている。
He has exceptional skills.
Means 'outstanding' or 'superb', often used in everyday conversation. It implies being markedly better than others.
このレストランは抜群のサービスを提供している。
This restaurant provides exceptional service.
Directly translates to 'exceptional' in the sense of being an exception. Can be used positively but often sounds more neutral or formal. Use with care as it may imply rarity rather than excellence.
May sound like 'an exception' rather than 'excellent' if context is unclear.
彼の業績は例外的なものだ。
His achievements are exceptional.
Means 'extraordinary' or 'uncommon', often used for talent or ability. Slightly literary.
彼は非凡な記憶力の持ち主だ。
He has an exceptional memory.
To describe something that deviates from the norm, often in a way that is not necessarily good.
The most direct translation for 'exceptional' in the sense of 'being an exception'. Neutral tone.
今年の夏は例外的に涼しい。
This summer is exceptionally cool.
彼のケースは例外的なものとして扱われた。
His case was treated as exceptional.
Means 'unprecedented' or 'unusual', often used for events or situations that break the norm. Can be formal.
異例の措置が取られた。
Exceptional measures were taken.
Means 'special' or 'particular'. Can be used when something is an exception to the rule, but it often implies a positive specialness. Use context to clarify.
特別な事情がある場合は連絡してください。
Please contact us if there are exceptional circumstances.
並外れた emphasizes deviation from the norm (often in scale or intensity), 卓越した emphasizes superiority in skill or quality, and 抜群の is a casual way to say 'outstanding' often used in everyday conversation.
While 例外的な can mean 'exceptional', it often sounds like 'an exception' rather than 'excellent'. For praising someone or something, 並外れた or 卓越した are safer choices.