1.
limit, extreme, utmost point
The farthest point or boundary that can be reached; the maximum or most extreme degree of something. Used for both physical endurance and abstract concepts.
体力の極限に達した。
I reached the limit of my physical strength.
極限状態で人はどう行動するのか。
How do people act in extreme conditions?
選手たちは精神的にも肉体的にも極限まで追い込まれたが、最後まで諦めなかった。
The athletes were pushed to their limits both mentally and physically, but they never gave up until the end.
極限 refers to the absolute furthest point or boundary — the utmost degree something can reach. A compound of 極 (extreme) + 限 (limit).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 極限状態: extreme conditions
- 極限まで追い込む: to push to the limit
- 極限に達する: to reach the limit
- 極限に挑む: to challenge the limits
USAGE:
Often used to describe situations where a person or thing is pushed to the absolute maximum. Common in sports commentary, survival narratives, and dramatic contexts. In mathematics, 極限 also means "limit" (as in calculus).
CONTRAST:
- 限界: limit, boundary (more everyday; often used for personal capacity)
- 極限: more dramatic, emphasizing the absolute extreme