優 Kanji – tenderness
The Japanese kanji 優 can mean tenderness, excel, surpass, actor, superiority, gentleness.
Meaning and Readings
How is 優 read?
優 has the onyomi readings ユウ, ウ and the kunyomi readings やさしい, すぐれる, まさる.
In romaji, these readings can be written as yuu, u, yasashii, sugureru, masaru.
Common Japanese Words Using 優
These common Japanese words contain 優. Select linked kanji to explore their meanings and readings.
- 女優（じょゆう） — actress, female actor
- 男優（だんゆう） — (male) actor
- 俳優（はいゆう） — actor, actress, player, performer
- 優しい（やさしい） — tender, kind, gentle, graceful, affectionate, amiable
- 優れる（すぐれる） — to be better (than), to be superior, to surpass, to excel, to be excellent
- 優位（ゆうい） — predominance, superiority, ascendancy, advantage, supremacy
- 優越感（ゆうえつかん） — superiority complex, sense of superiority
- 優雅（ゆうが） — elegant, graceful, refined
- 優遇（ゆうぐう） — favorable treatment, favourable treatment, hospitality, warm reception, good treatment, hearty welcome
- 優秀（ゆうしゅう） — superior, excellent, brilliant, outstanding