Japanese word

究極

Pronunciation

Romajikyūkyoku

Meaning

  • nounultimate

Example

それが究極の答えです。so re ga kyū kyoku no kota e de su

That is the ultimate answer.

Illustration for 究極 (ultimate)

More examples

多くの人は人生の究極の意味を考えます。ō ku no hito wa jin sei no kyū kyoku no i mi o kanga e ma su

Many people think about the ultimate meaning of life.

Core concept

Describes the highest point or final limit that something can reach.

Common phrases

  • 究極の目的kyū kyoku no moku teki

    ultimate purpose

  • 究極の美kyū kyoku no bi

    ultimate beauty

  • 究極の答えkyū kyoku no kota e

    ultimate answer

Similar words

極致kyokuchi: The fullest and most perfect expression of a quality or achievement.
極限kyokugen: The greatest extent or highest degree that can be reached.
至高shikō: The highest possible standard, worth, or position.
最終saishū: The last or concluding stage of a process or sequence.

Definition in Japanese

物事が到達しうる最も高い段階や、最後に行き着くところ。mono goto ga tō tatsu shi u ru motto mo taka i dan kai ya sai go ni i ki tsu ku to ko ro

Word origin

究 (kyū, "investigate") + 極 (kyoku, "limit") form 究極 (kyūkyoku), meaning the furthest point reached through inquiry.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 究極の (kyūkyoku no) commonly modifies a noun to present it as the highest or final form of its kind.

Related words

  • 究極的kyūkyokutekiultimatena-adjective
  • 究極性kyūkyokuseiultimatenessnoun

Word lists with this word