‘杰出’ is an adjective meaning 'outstanding' or 'exceptional', used to describe people, achievements, works, or qualities that stand far above the ordinary. The first character 杰 (jié) means 'heroic', 'remarkable', or 'eminent', often referring to a person of great talent or virtue; the second character 出 (chū) literally means 'to go out' or 'to emerge', and together they evoke the image of someone or something rising conspicuously above others—like a peak emerging from a mountain range.

This word carries strong positive connotations and is commonly used in formal, written, or respectful spoken contexts—for example, when praising scholars, artists, scientists, or historical figures. It’s rarely used for everyday objects or trivial matters, and it almost always modifies nouns directly (e.g., 杰出人才, 杰出贡献). While it can occasionally function as a noun (e.g., 他是本领域的杰出), its primary and most natural role is adjectival.