Japanese word

極まる

Pronunciation

Romajikiwamaru

Meaning

  • verbreach an extreme

Example

緊張が極まります。kin chō ga kiwa ma ri ma su

The tension reaches a peak.

Illustration for 極まる (reach an extreme)

More examples

試合の終盤、観客の興奮が極まりました。shi ai no shū ban kan kyaku no kō fun ga kiwa ma ri ma shi ta

Toward the end of the game, the spectators' excitement reached a peak.

Core concept

Expresses a condition becoming so intense that it reaches its natural or possible limit.

Common phrases

  • 寒さが極まるsamu sa ga kiwa ma ru

    the cold reaches an extreme

  • 暑さが極まるatsu sa ga kiwa ma ru

    the heat reaches an extreme

Similar words

極めるkiwameru: To bring a condition or quality to its highest possible level.
高まるtakamaru: To grow stronger or more intense.

Definition in Japanese

物事の状態や程度が極限に達する。mono goto no jō tai ya tei do ga kyoku gen ni tas su ru

Word origin

極まる (kiwamaru) comes from the native Japanese word 極む (kiwamu, "to bring to the furthest point") and denotes the subject itself reaching an extreme.

Usage tips

  • 極まる (kiwamaru) is used when a condition reaches an extreme on its own, whereas 極める (kiwameru) is used when a person brings something to that point.

Other meanings

  • endverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 極まりkiwamariextremitynoun

Word lists with this word