This phrase means something is at its very highest point. It shows the most extreme level of a feeling or situation.
Noun + の極みPrimary
This phrase means something is at its very highest point. It shows the most extreme level of a feeling or situation.
満員の通勤電車で大声で電話をするとは、迷惑の極みだ。
To talk loudly on the phone in a packed commuter train is the height of annoyance.
贅沢の極みを尽くした生活を送った王は、民衆の反感を買い、ついに国を追われた。
The king, who lived a life that exhausted the limits of luxury, incurred the public's animosity and was finally driven from the country.
天皇陛下にご拝謁できたのは、光栄の極みでございます。
To have been granted an audience with His Majesty the Emperor is the greatest possible honor.
あれだけの才能を持ちながら努力を怠るとは、愚の極みとしか言いようがない。
To neglect to work hard despite having so much talent can only be described as the height of folly.
彼の提案は、独創性の極みとは言えないまでも、なかなか興味深いものだった。
While his proposal couldn't be called the pinnacle of originality, it was quite interesting.
Imagine a mountain peak. This grammar shows something has reached the very top. It often describes bad things, like "the ultimate rudeness." It shows strong feelings, like anger or shock.
This phrase is different from 〜極まりない. That one describes a noun. This phrase makes a noun. It is also different from 〜の至り. You use 〜の至り for good personal feelings. You use 〜の極み for bad situations you are judging.
Don't use this when you talk about everyday things. For example, you wouldn't say "the height of delicious food." This phrase is for special nouns. These nouns usually come from Chinese words. They describe a strong feeling or a big idea. The noun must show something that can be very, very strong. You cannot use it with Japanese words. You also cannot use it with verbs or adjectives.
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