Japanese word

極限

Pronunciation

Romajikyokugen

Meaning

  • nounlimit

Example

選手は極限まで力を出します。sen shu wa kyoku gen ma de chikara o da shi ma su

The athlete pushes himself to the limit.

Illustration for 極限 (limit)

More examples

この数学の問題では、数列の極限を計算します。ko no sū gaku no mon dai de wa sū retsu no kyoku gen o kei san shi ma su

In this math problem, we calculate the limit of a sequence.

Core concept

Refers to the furthest point or greatest degree that something can reach, often within a boundary.

Common phrases

  • 極限に達するkyoku gen ni tas su ru

    reach the limit

  • 極限状態kyoku gen jō tai

    extreme conditions

  • 極限に近づくkyoku gen ni chika zu ku

    approach the limit

  • 極限を超えるkyoku gen o ko e ru

    go beyond the limit

  • 極限に挑むkyoku gen ni ido mu

    challenge one's limits

Similar words

限界genkai: The boundary beyond which a person, thing, or activity cannot continue or develop.
限度gendo: The greatest amount or degree that is allowed or considered possible.
上限jōgen: The highest value permitted or set within a range.

Definition in Japanese

物事が達し得る最も遠い段階や、許される範囲のぎりぎりの点。mono goto ga tas shi e ru motto mo tō i dan kai ya yuru sa re ru han i no gi ri gi ri no ten

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound combines 極 (kyoku, "utmost") and 限 (gen, "boundary"), giving the sense of the utmost boundary.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 極限 (kyokugen) is commonly used in phrases such as 極限状態 (kyokugen jōtai), meaning an extreme condition, rather than as a direct adjective before a noun.

Other meanings

  • extremenoun
  • maximumnoun

Related words

  • 極限的kyokugentekiextremena-adjective

Word lists with this word