ピーク
ぴーく
noun
peak, highest point
1.
peak, highest point, climax
The point at which something reaches its maximum level, whether in quantity, intensity, or activity. Used for business seasons, physical conditions, traffic, and other measurable phenomena.
桜のピークは過ぎた。
The cherry blossoms have passed their peak.
通勤ラッシュのピークは朝8時前後だ。
The peak of the commuter rush is around 8 a.m.
花粉の飛散量がピークを迎えるのは3月だ。
Pollen dispersal reaches its peak in March.
ピーク is from English "peak." Used for the highest point, maximum level, or prime of something — traffic, popularity, ability, seasons, etc.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- ピークを迎える: to reach one's peak
- ピークに達する: to reach the peak
- ピークを過ぎる: to be past the peak/prime
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- ピーク時: peak time/hours
- ピーク時間帯: peak time period
- オフピーク: off-peak
USAGE:
Very versatile — applies to physical peaks (花粉のピーク, pollen peak), career peaks (選手としてのピーク, peak as an athlete), and volume peaks (通勤ラッシュのピーク, peak of rush hour).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 頂点: summit, pinnacle (more literary)
- 最盛期: heyday, golden age
- 絶頂: peak, climax (more dramatic)