Translation and Meaning of: 優 - yasa

Etymology and Origin

The Japanese word 「優」, which can be read as "やさ" (yasa) in certain combinations, has a rich etymology. The kanji 「優」 combines the radicals 「人」 (hito, which means "person") and 「憂」 (yuu, which suggests worry or care), which together can convey the idea of a person who demonstrates consideration or delicacy. This character construction reveals much about the cultural value placed on kind and respectful behaviors in Japan.

Definition and Usage

The word 「優」 is often translated as "gentle" or "kind," but encompasses a wider range of meanings. Depending on the context, it can convey ideas of superiority, elegance, or excellence. For example, in an academic context, it may refer to high grades or superior performance. When used in personality descriptions, it usually underscores the positive qualities of showing care and compassion for others.

Variations and Contexts

When unfolded into variations, the word can be found in various combinations in the Japanese language. For example, 「優しい」 (yasashii) is an adjective form that means "gentle" or "kind," while 「優れる」 (sugureru) implies "superior" or "excellent." The versatility of the word allows it to be incredibly useful in both formal and informal speeches, illustrating nuances of social consideration and emphasis on quality and character.

Cultural Interpretations

In the cultural context, the word 「優」 carries significant weight. It reflects traditional Japanese values of social harmony and empathy. Gentleness (やさしさ, yasashisa) is a quality admired in Japanese culture, influencing daily behaviors and personal interactions. The idea of 優しさ not only involves moderation and politeness but also implies a deep understanding and respect for the emotions and needs of others.

Current Relevance

Even today, the word 「優」 maintains its relevance, especially in contexts that value customer service and social interactions in Japan. In an increasingly globalized world, the concept of kindness and consideration is spreading more widely, leading to similar notions in other cultures. The practice of 優しさ transcends borders, underscoring the importance of empathy on a global scale.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 優秀 (Yūshū) - Excellent, outstanding; indicates a superior quality.
• 優れた (Sugureta) - Remarkable, exceptional; emphasizes a high standard of skill.
• 優良 (Yūryō) - High quality; used to describe something that is good and reliable.
• 優美 (Yūbi) - Funny, elegant; refers to beauty in an aesthetic sense.
• 優雅 (Yūga) - Elegant, refined; it implies a sense of class and sophistication.
• 優越 (Yūetsu) - Superiority; indicates a position above others, in terms of quality or status.
• 優遇 (Yūgū) - Preferential treatment; refers to advantageous or privileged conditions.
• 優勝 (Yūshō) - Victory, championship; highlights the achievement in a competition.
• 優等 (Yūtō) - Higher class; refers to a high standard in an educational or merit context.
• 優先 (Yūsen) - Priority; indicates something that should be considered before others.

優

Romaji: yasa
Kana: やさ
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: kind; affectionate

Meaning in English: gentle;affectionate

Definition: Be better than others. In addition, be superior to others.

Example Sentences - (優) yasa

See below some example sentences:

お兄さんはとても優しい人です。

Oniisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My older brother is a very kind person.

Your brother is a very kind person.

• お兄さん - irmão mais velho
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - gentil
• 人 - person
• です - verb to be in the polite form

お祖母さんはとても優しい人です。

Obaasan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

Minha avó é uma pessoa muito gentil.

• お祖母さん - grandmother
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - gentil
• 人 - person
• です - Ser/estar (linking verb)

お祖父さんはとても優しい人です。

Ojiisan wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandfather is a very kind person.

• お祖父さん - avô
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 優しい - gentil
• 人 - person
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

この大学の教授はとても優秀です。

Kono daigaku no kyōju wa totemo yūshū desu

The professors at this university are very competent.

The professor at this university is very good.

• この - demonstrative determiner
• 大学 - noun meaning "university"
• の - Possessive particle
• 教授 - noun meaning "teacher"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優秀 - adjective that means "excellent"
• です - verb indicating "to be" or "to be" in the present tense

この女優はとても才能がある。

Kono joyū wa totemo sainō ga aru

This actress has a lot of talent.

This actress is very talented.

• この - this
• 女優 - atriz
• は - is
• とても - very
• 才能 - talent
• が - have
• ある - exist

このチームは優勢です。

Kono chīmu wa yūsei desu

This team is dominant.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• チーム - noun that means "time" or "team"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the team"
• 優勢 - Adjective that means "superior" or "dominant"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form

この会社は優秀な人材を採用することを目指しています。

Kono kaisha wa yūshūna jinzai o saiyō suru koto o mezashite imasu

This company aims to hire exceptional talent.

The company intends to hire excellent human resources.

• この会社 - This company
• は - Topic particle
• 優秀な - Excelente
• 人材 - Human resources
• を - Direct object particle
• 採用する - Contratar
• こと - Abstract noun
• を - Direct object particle
• 目指しています - It is aimed at

傑は優れた才能を持っている。

Katsuo wa sugureta sainou wo motte iru

Katsuo has excellent talent.

Ele tem excelente talento.

• 傑 - first name in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 優れた - adjetivo em japonês que significa "excelente"
• 才能 - substantivo em japonês que significa "talento"
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 持っている - verbo em japonês que significa "ter"

優しい人は素晴らしいです。

Yasashii hito wa subarashii desu

Kind people are wonderful.

• 優しい - Kind, friendly
• 人 - person
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしい - wonderful, splendid
• です - Verb ser/estar in the formal present tense

彼はとても優しい人です。

Kare wa totemo yasashii hito desu

He is a very kind person.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - Very
• 優しい (yasashii) - Gentil
• 人 (hito) - Person
• です (desu) - Verb to be in the polite form