傑作

けっさく

masterpiece, best work

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"傑作" (けっさく) means "masterpiece" or "best work." It is used to describe a work of art, literature, film, or any creative output that is outstanding and highly praised.

Common Contexts

You will often hear "傑作" when talking about movies, books, paintings, or music that are considered the pinnacle of someone's career or a genre.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 傑作映画 (けっさくえいが): masterpiece movie
  • 傑作小説 (けっさくしょうせつ): masterpiece novel
  • 傑作と認める (けっさくとみとめる): to recognize as a masterpiece

Register and Nuance

"傑作" is a formal and respectful term, often used in reviews, critiques, or serious discussions about art. It is not casual slang.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "傑作" with just "good work" or "popular work." Remember, "傑作" implies exceptional quality and lasting value, not just popularity.

Example Sentences

このえいがはかれのけっさくだとおおくのひとがみとめている。

Many people recognize this movie as his masterpiece.

かのじょのさいしんのしょうせつはまちがいなくけっさくだ。

Her latest novel is definitely a masterpiece.

このえはかれのわかいころのけっさくとしてしられている。

This painting is known as his masterpiece from his youth.