一流

yīliú

adjective HSK 5 #5,200

Meanings

1 top quality
2 first-rate
3 first-class

Characters

flow; class; grade

Literally 'first class' — the top tier

Examples

这是一流的大学。

Zhè shì yīliú de dàxué.

This is a first-rate university.

他的厨艺是一流的。

Tā de chúyì shì yīliú de.

His cooking skills are top quality.

我们要提供一流的服务。

Wǒmen yào tígōng yīliú de fúwù.

We need to provide first-class service.

Tips

usage

一流 is a strong compliment meaning 'the best'. The hierarchy goes: 一流 (first-rate) > 二流 (second-rate) > 三流 (third-rate). Saying something is 三流 is quite negative.

culture

China's '双一流' (shuāng yīliú, Double First-Class) initiative aims to develop world-class universities and disciplines.

Stroke Order

一 yī

流 liú