頂点
chōten[t͡ɕo̞ːtẽ̞ɴ]
The English word apex is translated into Japanese as 頂点 (chōten).
頂点 is a noun meaning the highest or greatest part. It is used for both physical summits, such as a mountain peak and abstract heights, such as the apex of a career or a mathematical vertex.
Meaning: highest or greatest part (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 頂, which means top or summit and 点, which means point.
Which one should you use?
While 頂点 often refers to a mathematical or abstract apex, 頂上 is more commonly used for the physical top of a mountain. Additionally, 山頂 is a specific word for a mountain peak and 頂上 can also mean summit or top.
How do you pronounce it?
chōten
Did you know?
- The kanji 頂 in 頂点 is also used to form the humble verb 頂く meaning 'to receive'. This implies that the act of receiving something is like receiving a gift from a higher position.
- The character 頂 originally depicted a head being held up, which explains its modern use for both the physical summit of a mountain and the top of a person's head.
- In the context of a social hierarchy or a business organization, reaching the 頂点 often implies a sense of absolute authority or dominance.
Examples in context
- 最高点に達した。Reached the apex.
- 山の頂点に立つ。Yama no chouten ni tatsu.To stand at the apex of the mountain.
- グラフの頂点を示す。Gurafu no chouten o shimesu.Indicate the peak of the graph.
- ピラミッドの頂点は鋭い。Piramiddo no chouten wa surudoi.The apex of the pyramid is sharp.
Example conversation
Hana and Ren are looking at a map of a mountain range.
- 陽葵 Himariこの山の頂点はどこですか？kono yama no chouten wa doko desu ka?Where is the apex of this mountain?
- 蓮 Renここが一番高い頂点だよ。koko ga ichiban takai chouten da yo.This here is the highest apex.
- 陽葵 Himariそこまで登るのは大変そうね。soko made noboru no wa taihen sou ne.It looks like it would be hard to climb up there.
- 蓮 Renでも、景色は最高だと思うよ。demo, keshiki wa saikou da to omou yo.But I think the view will be amazing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 頂点, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
