1.
peak period, heyday, prime, height
The period when something is at its most active, productive, or prosperous. Used for seasons, industries, careers, civilizations, and other things that have a high point.
桜の最盛期は四月だ。
The peak season for cherry blossoms is April.
あの歌手は今が最盛期だ。
That singer is at the peak of their career right now.
ローマ帝国は二世紀ごろに最盛期を迎え、広大な領土を支配していた。
The Roman Empire reached its peak around the 2nd century and controlled vast territory.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 最盛期を迎える: to reach one's peak
- 最盛期を過ぎる: to be past one's prime
- 最盛期にある: to be in one's prime
- 桜の最盛期: peak cherry blossom season
ETYMOLOGY:
最 (most) + 盛 (flourishing) + 期 (period) — the period of greatest flourishing.
CONTRAST:
最盛期 focuses on the peak of activity or prosperity. 全盛期 (golden age, heyday) is similar but often carries a stronger sense of past glory or looking back at a period that has ended.