prefix
super-; ultra-; hyper-
Only with reading ちょう
Productive prefix attaching to nouns and adjectival nouns to mean 'extremely' or 'beyond the norm'. Common in compounds like 超能力, 超満員, 超一流.
彼は超一流のピアニストだ。
He is a super first-class pianist.
この映画は超おもしろい。
This movie is super interesting.
prefix, adverb
Colloquial intensifier used before adjectives and adjectival nouns. Often written in katakana (チョー) for emphasis.
今日はチョー暑いね。
It's super hot today, isn't it?
あの店、チョーおいしいんだよ。
That restaurant is really delicious, you know.
adverb
of course; definitely; for sure
Colloquial standalone adverb used to express strong agreement or certainty. Often used in casual conversation.
noun, used as a suffix
Only with reading ちょう
Suffix attached to a number or amount to mean 'more than' or 'over'. Used in formal and written contexts.
このイベントには100人超が参加した。
Over 100 people participated in this event.
予算は1億円超だ。
The budget is over 100 million yen.
Katakana spelling common in casual, emphatic use.
From Chinese 超 (chāo) meaning 'to exceed' or 'surpass'. The colloquial intensifier use developed in modern Japanese, likely influenced by English 'super'.