Definitions

yōu (adjective) excellent; superior

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 优, denoting excellence or performer, evolved from its traditional form 優, which integrates the person radical 亻 with the component 憂, a element historically linked to concepts of abundance and leisurely surplus that initially informed its sense of superiority. Over centuries, its semantic scope broadened from describing ample or relaxed qualities to encapsulating general high quality and merit, while also acquiring a specific theatrical sense referring to actors or entertainers. The contemporary structure 优 substitutes the original right side with 尤, an element meaning outstanding or exceptional, thereby refining the character's form to emphasize distinction while maintaining its enduring meanings related to superior quality and dramatic performance.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

她的成绩秀。

Tā de chéngjì yōuxiù.

Her grades are excellent.

每个人都有点。

Měi gè rén dōu yǒu yōudiǎn.

Everyone has advantages.

这家店有惠。

Zhè jiā diàn yǒu yōuhuì.

This shop has discounts.

老人可以先。

Lǎorén kěyǐ yōuxiān.

The elderly can have priority.

这里的风景美。

Zhèlǐ de fēngjǐng yōuměi.

The scenery here is beautiful.

我们需要化流程。

Wǒmen xūyào yōuhuà liúchéng.

We need to optimize the process.

他生活在越的环境中。

Tā shēnghuó zài yōuyuè de huánjìng zhōng.

He lives in a superior environment.

通过化服务,我们提供了更惠的价格和更质的产品。

Tōngguò yōuhuà fúwù, wǒmen tígōngle gèng yōuhuì de jiàgé hé gèng yōuzhì de chǎnpǐn.

By optimizing service, we provide more discounted prices and higher quality products.