Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 偉い | erai | [e̞ɾa̠i] (narrow) |
| 貴い | tōtoi | [ta̠ka̠i] (narrow) |
| 上級の | jōkyū no | |
| 高貴な | kōki na |
The term for superior in Japanese varies significantly based on whether you are discussing professional rank, social hierarchy, level of skill or moral nobility. If you are referring to a boss or professional superior, use 上司 (jōshi). The term 上位者 (jōisha) also conveys the sense of someone in a higher rank.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific nuance of superiority. 偉い (erai) is often used colloquially to mean "great", "eminent" or "high-ranking". 上級の (jōkyū no) is a technical term used specifically for a superior level of skill or a higher grade in a structured system, such as an advanced language class or a rank in a game. 高貴な (kōki na) is a formal term used to describe superior status in the sense of nobility, elegance or high-born character rather than professional rank.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
erai
Did you know?
- While 偉い means 'superior' or 'great', Japanese parents often say it to toddlers who have done something small but helpful, effectively meaning 'good boy' or 'good girl'.
- The word 上司 (superior/boss) is paired with 部下 (subordinate), which literally translates to 'under the leaf'.
- The word 偉い (erai) can sometimes carry a sarcastic tone, much like calling someone 'Your Highness' in English when they are behaving badly.
Examples in context
- 偉い連中Noble fellows / superior fellowsThis sentence is useful for showing how to describe noble or superior fellows using 偉い.
- 私の上司はとても優れたリーダーシップを持っていますMy boss has excellent leadership skills
- 私は目上の人に相談したほうが良いですか？Is it better to consult with a superior?
- 先輩の意見を尊重するRespect the opinion of your superior
- ボスに報告書を提出しなければならないI have to submit a report to my boss
- 上の人に相談したらどうですか？Why not consult a superior?
- 社長、ご指示がありましたらお聞かせくださいPresident, please let me know if you have any instructions
- 彼はとても偉い人です。Kare wa totemo erai hito desu.He is a very high-ranking person.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are talking about their new boss.
- 陽葵 Himari新しい上司はとても偉い人みたいね。Atarashii joushi wa totemo erai hito mitai ne.The new boss seems to be a very high-ranking person.
- 蓮 Renうん、かなり上の役職らしいよ。Un, kanari ue no yakushoku rashii yo.Yeah, I heard they hold a pretty high position.
- 陽葵 Himari緊張するけど、いい勉強になりそう。Kinchou suru kedo, ii benkyou ni narisou.I'm nervous, but it seems like it'll be a good learning experience.
- 蓮 Renそうだね。失礼がないようにしよう。Sou da ne. Shitsurei ga nai you ni shiyou.Right. Let's make sure we aren't rude.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “superior” translations and entries 偉い, 貴い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
