偉い

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 偉い is read えらい.
• Basic usage: It is an い-adjective used to praise an action or achievement as admirable or impressive.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Praising an action
  • 助けるなんて偉いね praises the act of helping a friend as admirable.
• Recognizing a regular achievement
  • 弟は偉い calls the younger brother impressive for getting up early by himself.