# 出类拔萃

chū lèi bá cuì

Stand out as exceptionally capable

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Rise above one's kind and group

**Traditional Chinese:** 出類拔萃

**Register:** Appreciative · formal

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Praise outstanding ability among comparable people.

Requires a meaningful comparison, not ordinary competence.

## Understanding the expression

The expression places someone within a group and then shows them rising above it. Its praise is comparative: the person's skill or achievement is exceptional among peers. It suits a student, professional, performer, or piece of work that clearly surpasses the usual level. The group need not be named when context makes it clear. Strong evidence, such as consistent work or a specific achievement, makes the compliment more convincing.

## Examples

她在设计方面出类拔萃。

### Traditional Chinese

她在設計方面出類拔萃。

tā zài shè jì fāng miàn chū lèi bá cuì 。

She is outstanding in design.

这批作品中，他的摄影出类拔萃。

### Traditional Chinese

這批作品中，他的攝影出類拔萃。

zhè pī zuò pǐn zhōng ， tā de shè yǐng chū lèi bá cuì 。

His photography stands out in this collection.

那位护士的沟通能力出类拔萃。

### Traditional Chinese

那位護士的溝通能力出類拔萃。

nà wèi hù shì de gōu tōng néng lì chū lèi bá cuì 。

That nurse has exceptional communication skills.

他靠长期练习成为出类拔萃的琴手。

### Traditional Chinese

他靠長期練習成為出類拔萃的琴手。

tā kào cháng qī liàn xí chéng wéi chū lèi bá cuì de qín shǒu 。

Long practice made him an outstanding pianist.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%87%BA%E9%A1%9E%E6%8B%94%E8%90%83)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=64&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [出人头地 chū rén tóu dì Stand out through achievement ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/chu-ren-tou-di)

- [出神入化 chū shén rù huà Show consummate mastery ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/chu-shen-ru-hua)

- [从容不迫 cóng róng bù pò Remain calm and unhurried under pressure ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cong-rong-bu-po)

- [粗枝大叶 cū zhī dà yè Handle something carelessly without attention to detail ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/cu-zhi-da-ye)

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