極端(きょくたん)

きょくたん
adjective-na
extreme, excessive
1. extreme, excessive, drastic
Describes something that goes far beyond the normal or expected range, either in degree, opinion, or behavior. Can refer to actions, ideas, weather, or any quality taken to an excess.
それは極端(きょくたん)な例(れい)だ。
That is an extreme example.
極端(きょくたん)に寒(さむ)い日(ひ)が続(つづ)いている。
Extremely cold days have been continuing.
極端(きょくたん)な考(かんが)え方(かた)をせずに、もう少(すこ)しバランスよく考(かんが)えたほうがいい。
Rather than thinking in extremes, you should try to think in a more balanced way.

FORMS:

  • Adverbial: 極端(きょくたん)に (extremely)
  • Noun: 極端(きょくたん) (extreme, as in "go to extremes")

CONJUGATION:

  • Predicate: 極端(きょくたん)だ / 極端(きょくたん)です
  • Negative: 極端(きょくたん)ではない
  • Modifier: 極端(きょくたん)な + noun
  • Adverbial: 極端(きょくたん)に + verb/adjective

ETYMOLOGY:
極(きょく) (extreme, pole) + 端(たん) (end, edge). Literally "the extreme edge."

USAGE:
Often used with に as an adverb meaning "extremely" or "drastically." The phrase 極端(きょくたん)に言(い)えば means "to put it in extreme terms" or "to exaggerate slightly." Can also function as a noun: 極端(きょくたん)に走(はし)る means "to go to extremes."

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 過激(かげき): radical, militant (stronger, often political)
  • 極度(きょくど): extreme degree (more formal, often modifies abstract qualities)
general
Added 2026.2.23 21:16
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