Japanese word

極める

Pronunciation

Romajikiwameru

Meaning

  • verbmaster

Example

私は料理を極めます。watashi wa ryō ri o kiwa me ma su

I will master cooking.

Illustration for 極める (master)

More examples

好きな分野を一つ極めると、自信がつきます。su ki na bun ya o hito tsu kiwa me ru to ji shin ga tsu ki ma su

If you master one field you enjoy, you will gain confidence.

Core concept

It presents mastery as pushing a skill or field all the way to its highest possible level.

Common phrases

  • 料理を極めるryō ri o kiwa me ru

    master cooking

  • 技術を極めるgi jutsu o kiwa me ru

    master a technique

  • 分野を極めるbun ya o kiwa me ru

    master a field

Similar words

修めるosameru: To learn and master a field of study or practice.
習熟するshūjukusuru: To become highly skilled in a particular skill or field.
会得するetokusuru: To acquire a skill or method through learning and practice.

Definition in Japanese

技術や学問などを徹底的に追求し、最高の段階に達する。gi jutsu ya gaku mon na do o tet tei teki ni tsui kyū shi sai kō no dan kai ni tas su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 極める (kiwameru, "to bring to the limit") developed from the older verb 極む (kiwamu, "to reach the limit"); 極 (kiwa, "limit") marks the boundary.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 道を極める (michi o kiwameru) uses 道 (michi, "a path or discipline") for a field of practice, not only a physical road.

Other meanings

  • perfectverb

Related words

  • 極め方kiwamekataway to masternoun

Word lists with this word