顶尖 dǐngjiān peak
peak; apex; world best; number one; finest (competitors); top (figures in a certain field)
How to remember 顶尖: 顶 top + 尖 sharp = peak.
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How it is used
- Top-tier / the very best in a field - 顶尖大学 (dǐngjiān dàxué) a top university; 顶尖选手 elite competitors.
- Superlative praise for being at the pinnacle; pairs with 顶尖水平, 世界顶尖.
- Near-synonym 顶级 (dǐngjí); 顶尖 slightly stresses being at the sharp apex/number one among peers.