突出 (tūchū)

突出 means to stand out from others due to being remarkably good or significant, and as a verb, to emphasize or highlight something important.

Meanings

[adjective] outstanding; prominent; conspicuous
[verb] to emphasize; to highlight; to stand out; to protrude

Example Sentences

她在这次比赛中表现突出，获得了一等奖。 Tā zài zhècì bǐsài zhōng biǎoxiàn tūchū, huòdé le yīděng jiǎng. She performed outstandingly in this competition and won first prize.

这篇报告的突出问题是数据来源不够可靠。 Zhè piān bàogào de tūchū wèntí shì shùjù láiyuán bùgòu kěkào. The outstanding problem with this report is that the data sources are not reliable enough.

演讲时要注意突出重点，避免内容过于分散。 Yǎnjiǎng shí yào zhùyì tūchū zhòngdiǎn, bìmiǎn nèiróng guòyú fēnsàn. When giving a speech, pay attention to emphasizing key points and avoid the content being too scattered.

这名球员的防守能力非常突出，被誉为联赛最佳后卫。 Zhè míng qiúyuán de fángshǒu nénglì fēicháng tūchū, bèi yùwéi liánsài zuìjiā hòuwèi. This player's defensive ability is outstanding; he is recognized as the best defender in the league.

建筑的外墙突出了传统与现代相结合的设计理念。 Jiànzhú de wàiqiáng tūchū le chuántǒng yǔ xiàndài xiāng jiéhé de shèjì lǐniàn. The exterior wall of the building emphasizes the design concept of combining tradition and modernity.

岩石从悬崖边缘突出，形成了天然的观景平台。 Yánshí cóng xuányá biānyuán tūchū, xíngchéng le tiānrán de guānjǐng píngtái. The rock protrudes from the cliff edge, forming a natural viewing platform.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
突出表现 (tūchū biǎoxiàn)	outstanding performance
突出重点 (tūchū zhòngdiǎn)	to emphasize key points
突出问题 (tūchū wèntí)	outstanding/prominent problem
成绩突出 (chéngjì tūchū)	outstanding achievements
特别突出 (tèbié tūchū)	particularly outstanding
突出贡献 (tūchū gòngxiàn)	outstanding contribution

Usage Notes

突出 functions as both an adjective and a verb. As an adjective, it means "outstanding" or "prominent" and can modify nouns or appear predicatively: 成绩突出 (outstanding achievements). As a verb, it means to emphasize or make something stand out: 突出重点 (emphasize key points).

In physical descriptions, 突出 literally means "protruding" or "sticking out." In abstract usage, it means something that stands out from the rest as especially significant. The tone is generally positive when referring to people or achievements, but neutral when referring to problems.

Memory Hook

突 (sudden/projecting) + 出 (to come out) -- suddenly coming out beyond the rest -- to stand out; outstanding.