卓越 (zhuóyuè)

卓越 describes exceptional quality or achievement that stands far above the average or expected standard, indicating genuine distinction and superiority.

Meanings

[adjective] outstanding, excellent, exceptional, distinguished

Example Sentences

这位科学家以其卓越的研究成就获得了诺贝尔奖。 Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā yǐ qí zhuóyuè de yánjiū chéngjiù huòdé le Nuòbèi'ěr Jiǎng. This scientist won the Nobel Prize for his outstanding research achievements.

公司的卓越表现源于其对质量和创新的不懈追求。 Gōngsī de zhuóyuè biǎoxiàn yuányú qí duì zhìliàng hé chuàngxīn de bùxiè zhuīqiú. The company's outstanding performance stems from its relentless pursuit of quality and innovation.

她在学术领域做出了卓越的贡献，赢得了同行的广泛尊重。 Tā zài xuéshù lǐngyù zuò chū le zhuóyuè de gòngxiàn, yíngdé le tóngháng de guǎngfàn zūnzhòng. She has made outstanding contributions to the academic field and earned widespread respect from her peers.

卓越的领导力不仅体现在技能上，更体现在品格和视野上。 Zhuóyuè de lǐngdǎo lì bùjǐn tǐxiàn zài jìnéng shàng, gèng tǐxiàn zài pǐngé hé shìyě shàng. Outstanding leadership is reflected not only in skills but also in character and vision.

追求卓越是这所学校的核心精神，激励着每一位师生。 Zhuīqiú zhuóyuè shì zhè suǒ xuéxiào de héxīn jīngshén, jīlì zhe měi yī wèi shīshēng. The pursuit of excellence is the core spirit of this school, inspiring every teacher and student.

他的卓越才能使他在众多竞争者中脱颖而出。 Tā de zhuóyuè cáinéng shǐ tā zài zhòngduō jìngzhēng zhě zhōng tuōyǐng ér chū. His outstanding talent made him stand out among many competitors.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
卓越成就	outstanding achievements
卓越贡献	outstanding contributions
卓越表现	outstanding performance
追求卓越	to pursue excellence
卓越人才	outstanding talent
卓越领导力	outstanding leadership

Usage Notes

卓越 is one of the strongest positive adjectives in Chinese, implying a level of excellence that clearly surpasses ordinary standards. It is more formal and literary than 优秀 (yōuxiù, excellent/outstanding), which is the standard word in everyday and educational contexts. 卓越 appears more in formal writing, commendations, awards, and literary contexts.

卓越 is related to but stronger than 杰出 (jiéchū, outstanding/remarkable). Both describe exceptional achievement, but 卓越 has a slightly more elevated, almost aspirational tone, while 杰出 is used more as a straightforward descriptor. Compare: 杰出科学家 (outstanding scientist) and 卓越成就 (remarkable achievements).

Memory Hook

卓 means "tall/eminent" (picture something standing head and shoulders above everything around it) and 越 means "to exceed/surpass" -- 卓越 stands tall and exceeds all, rising above the crowd by exceptional merit.