傑作
kessaku[ke̞sːa̠kɯ̟]
The English phrase 'masterpiece' is translated into Japanese as 傑作 (kessaku).
傑作 is used to describe an outstanding piece of work. While it can refer to fine art, it is also frequently used to describe a masterpiece of literature, film or even a particularly clever piece of comedy or writing. You can also use the phrase ～さんの名著 to say 'Mr./Ms. ～'s masterpiece'.
Meaning: An outstanding piece of work (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 傑作 is composed of the kanji 傑, meaning distinguished or extraordinary and 作, meaning work or creation.
Which one should you use?
最高傑作 is used to mean a 'greatest masterpiece' or a 'magnum opus'. This is achieved by adding the prefix 最高, which means 'highest' or 'supreme'.
How do you pronounce it?
kessaku
Did you know?
- In the world of manga and anime, the term 神作 (kami-saku) is common slang, replacing the word for 'distinguished' with the word for 'god' to describe a masterpiece.
- While 'masterpiece' sounds very heavy in English, a person might use 傑作 with a hint of irony to describe a spectacularly bad or ridiculous mistake.
- When describing a masterpiece, Japanese speakers often use the word 名作, which literally means 'famous work'. This is often preferred over 傑作 when the work is widely beloved by the public rather than just technically superior.
Examples in context
- たとえいくらかかろうともその傑作は手に入れると、その大富豪は言い張った。The millionaire insisted on acquiring the masterpiece no matter how much it cost.This sentence shows a millionaire insisting on acquiring a 傑作.Tatoeba #203564 by arnab, translation #40802 by CM
- まさに傑作だ。This is a masterpiece.This sentence is used to state that something is a 傑作.Tatoeba #8721807 by Masatami, translation #5881879 by mailohilohi
- 最高傑作Greatest masterpieceThis sentence demonstrates the use of 傑作 in the phrase 'greatest masterpiece'.
- この絵は本当に傑作です。(Kono e wa hontōni kesaku desu.)This painting is truly a masterpiece.
- あの小説は名作だと評判です。(Ano shōsetsu wa meisaku da to hyōbandesu.)That novel is known as a masterpiece.
- 彼の彫刻は凄い出来ですね。(Kare no chōkoku wa sugoi deki desu ne.)His sculpture is incredibly well-made.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの絵は本当に傑作だと思うよ。Kono e wa hontō ni kessaku da to omou yo.I think this painting is truly a masterpiece.
- 結衣 Yui私もそう思う。色がとてもきれいね。Watashi mo sō omou. Iro ga totemo kirei ne.I think so too. The colors are very beautiful.
- 大翔 Hiroto彼のキャリアの中で最高の傑作だろうな。Kare no kyaria no naka de saikō no kessaku darō na.It's probably the greatest masterpiece of his career.
- 結衣 Yuiずっと見ていられる気がするわ。Zutto mite irareru ki ga suru wa.I feel like I could look at it forever.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 傑作, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
