極端
kyokutan[kʲo̞kɯ̟̊tã̠ɴ]
The English word "extreme" can be translated into Japanese as 極端 (kyokutan).
極端 is used to describe something that is in the greatest or highest degree. It can function as a noun to refer to each of the things at opposite ends of a range or scale, or as an adjective.
Meaning: in the greatest or highest degree, intense (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 極端 refers to an extreme position or degree that is often unbalanced or excessive, 極限 refers to the absolute physical or mathematical limit or the utmost point of a condition. Additionally, 究極 can be used to mean the greatest or utmost point, degree or condition.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 極端 as an adjective modifying a noun, you must add the particle な to the end of the word to form 極端な. To use it as an adverb to modify a verb or adjective, change the ending to に to form 極端に.
How do you pronounce it?
kyokutan
Did you know?
- Because 極端 implies a lack of balance, using it to describe a person's opinion can sound like a direct criticism of their character rather than just their viewpoint.
- In Japanese aesthetics, avoiding 極端な (extreme) behavior is linked to the cultural value of 中道, or the 'Middle Way', which emphasizes balance and moderation.
- The first character in 極端, 極, also means 'pole' and is used in the word for the North Pole, 北極 and South Pole, 南極.
Examples in context
- それは極端な場合だ。They are the extreme cases.This sentence uses 極端 to describe extreme cases.Tatoeba #205268 by small_snow, translation #42512 by CK
- 彼の考えは少し極端だ。His way of thinking is a bit extreme.This sentence uses 極端 to describe a way of thinking.Tatoeba #117429 by small_snow, translation #286235 by CM
- 極端な食事制限をする拒食症の女子高生が増えている。The number of anorexic high school girls practicing extreme dietary restrictions is increasing.This sentence uses 極端 to describe dietary restrictions.Tatoeba #407917 by Scott, translation #407919 by Scott
- 昨日の試合、めちゃくちゃ激しかったよ！Yesterday's match was extremely intense!
- そうなの？ものすごく興味があるんだ。Really? I'm tremendously interested in it.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are discussing their friends' different lifestyles.
- 結衣 Yui彼は極端に倹約な人だね。Kare wa kyokutan ni ken'yaku na hito da ne.He is an extremely frugal person, isn't he?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、でもたまに心配になるよ。Un, demo tamani shinpai ni naru yo.Yeah, but sometimes I get worried.
- 結衣 Yui極端な節約は体に悪いかもね。Kyokutan na setsuyaku wa karada ni warui kamo ne.Extreme saving might be bad for your health.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね。バランスが大切だよ。Sou da ne. Baransu ga taisetsu da yo.That's true. Balance is important.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 極端, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
