Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
絶妙 (ぜつみょう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
exquisite ; superb ; perfectly apt ; miraculous
Describes something so well judged, balanced, timed, or executed that it feels exceptionally skillful or almost uncanny. Common in phrases such as 絶妙なタイミング, 絶妙なバランス, and 絶妙の一手.
この ソース は 甘あま さ と 酸さん 味み の バランス が 絶ぜつ 妙みょう だ 。
This sauce has an exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity.
Kanji 絶 discontinue, sever, cut off 妙 exquisite, strange, queer Similar words 見み 事ごと Also means splendid or impressive, but 見事 is broader and often praises a clear success or impressive result; 絶妙 focuses more on perfect judgment, balance, timing, or subtle skill.
巧こう 妙みょう Means skillful or clever in construction or method, and can sometimes suggest craftiness; 絶妙 is more openly positive and emphasizes exquisite aptness or balance.
微び 妙みょう Can mean subtle or delicate, but in everyday speech often means iffy or hard to judge; 絶妙 means superbly or perfectly subtle, with a positive evaluation.
Etymology A Sino-Japanese compound written with 絶, associated here with surpassing or being peerless, and 妙, associated with subtle excellence or wondrous skill. This is a component-based explanation of the spelling rather than a claim about detailed historical origin.
