(あっかん)

あっかん
noun
highlight; masterpiece; most impressive part
evaluation
1. highlight, masterpiece, most impressive part, showstopper
The most outstanding or impressive part of a performance, work, or event. Often used as a predicate: ~は圧巻(あっかん)だ.
ラストシーン圧巻(あっかん)だった。
The final scene was the highlight.
花火(はなび)大会(たいかい)フィナーレ圧巻(あっかん)だった。
The finale of the fireworks festival was a showstopper.
What was most impressive above all was the sight of a thousand torii gates lined up in a row.

Etymology

Originally from the Chinese civil service examination system — the (かん) (scroll/paper) that was placed on top ((あつ)) as the best answer. Hence "the best part."

Usage

Most commonly used as a predicate: ~圧巻(あっかん)だ (~ was the highlight). Also used as a modifier: 圧巻(あっかん)~ (the stunning ~). Always positive — never used for negative impressions.

Common collocations