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(さくら)のピークは過(す)ぎた。

The cherry blossoms have passed their peak.

通勤(つうきん)ラッシュのピークは朝(あさ)8時(じ)前後(ぜんご)だ。

The peak of the commuter rush is around 8 a.m.

花粉(かふん)の飛散量(ひさんりょう)がピークを迎(むか)えるのは3月(がつ)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(むか)える: to reach one's peak
ピークに達(たっ)する: to reach the peak
ピークを過(す)ぎる: to be past the peak/prime

Compounds

ピーク時(じ): peak time/hours
ピーク時間帯(じかんたい): peak time period
オフピーク: off-peak

Usage

Very versatile — applies to physical peaks (花粉(かふん)のピーク, pollen peak), career peaks (選手(せんしゅ)としてのピーク, peak as an athlete), and volume peaks (通勤(つうきん)ラッシュのピーク, peak of rush hour).

Similar words

頂点(ちょうてん): summit, pinnacle (more literary)
最盛期(さいせいき): heyday, golden age
絶頂(ぜっちょう): peak, climax (more dramatic)

Related Words

Compare: 頂点(ちょうてん) (summit, pinnacle)

Compare: 最盛期(さいせいき) (heyday, golden age)

Compare: 絶頂(ぜっちょう) (peak, climax)

Compare: 繁忙期(はんぼうき) (busy season)

Compare: 全盛期(ぜんせいき) (golden age, heyday, peak)

Compare: 最高潮(さいこうちょう) (climax)

general

Added 2026.2.14 14:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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