A notch above Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈnɑtʃ/ /əˈbəv

uh NOTCH uh-BUV

UK

æɪ/ /nˈɒtʃ/ /əbˈʌv

uh NOTCH uh-BUV

Definition

Used to describe someone or something that is slightly better or superior compared to others.

Usage & Nuances

This informal phrase is often used in comparisons. It's common with 'just', as in 'just a notch above'. Suitable for speech and writing, but not in very formal or academic contexts. Highlights a small but noticeable difference.

• Spanish: un poco mejor que - un nivel más alto que
• Portuguese (BR): um nível acima de - um pouco melhor que
• Portuguese (PT): um nível acima de - um pouco melhor que
• Chinese (Simplified): 更胜一筹 - 稍胜一筹
• Chinese (Traditional): 更勝一籌 - 稍勝一籌
• Hindi: से थोड़ा बेहतर
• Arabic: أفضل بقليل من - درجة أعلى من
• Bengali: একটু ভাল - একধাপ ওপরে
• Russian: на ступень выше - немного лучше
• Japanese: 少し上 - 一段上
• Vietnamese: hơn một bậc - tốt hơn một chút
• Korean: 한 단계 위 - 조금 더 나은
• Turkish: bir tık üstünde - bir seviye yukarıda
• Urdu: ایک درجہ بہتر
• Indonesian: sedikit lebih baik - lebih unggul

Example Sentences

Her cake is a notch above the others.

basic

This phone is a notch above last year’s model.

basic

Her presentation was a notch above the rest.

basic

The service at this hotel is a notch above what I expected.

natural

He’s good, but she’s a notch above him in terms of skill.

natural

Honestly, this band’s new album is a notch above anything they’ve done before.

natural