ちょう
Alternative readings: チョー
Alternative writings: 走召
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

A prefix meaning super-, ultra-, or hyper-, used to form words indicating an extreme degree (e.g., super-tall, superconducting).

Prefix

Examples

超高層ビルが都心に建った。

A super-tall skyscraper was built in the city center.

この研究は超伝導の応用を目指している。

This research aims at applications of superconductivity.

超小型のデバイスが次世代の製品に使われる。

Ultra-small devices will be used in next-generation products.

2

A colloquial intensifier (often written as チョー) meaning extremely or really; used to emphasize (like 'super' or 'totally').

PrefixColloquial

Examples

テストで満点取ってチョー嬉しい!

I got a perfect score on the test—I'm super happy!

あのライブ、チョー盛り上がったよ。

That concert was totally exciting.

チョー寒いから厚手のコートを着ていこう。

It's really cold, so let's wear a thick coat.

3

Used after a number or counter to indicate 'over' or 'more than' (e.g., 100超 = over 100).

Noun (Suffix)

Examples

参加者は100人超だった。

There were over 100 participants.

彼の借金は10万円超に達した。

His debt exceeded 100,000 yen.