北極(ほっきょく)

ほっきょく
noun
North Pole, the Arctic
1. North Pole, the Arctic
The northernmost point of the Earth, or the Arctic region in general. Often contrasted with 南極(なんきょく) (the South Pole / Antarctica).
北極(ほっきょく)は寒(さむ)い。
The Arctic is cold.
北極(ほっきょく)にはシロクマがいる。
There are polar bears in the Arctic.
北極(ほっきょく)の氷(こおり)が温暖化(おんだんか)で溶(と)けている。
The Arctic ice is melting due to global warming.

北極(ほっきょく) can refer to either the geographic North Pole (the point) or the Arctic region more broadly. The kanji literally mean "north" + "extreme/pole."

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 北極(ほっきょく)圏(けん): Arctic Circle
  • 北極(ほっきょく)星(せい): Polaris, the North Star
  • 北極(ほっきょく)熊(ぐま): polar bear (also シロクマ)
  • 北極(ほっきょく)海(かい): Arctic Ocean
  • 北極(ほっきょく)点(てん): the North Pole (specific point)

CONTRAST:

  • 南極(なんきょく): South Pole, Antarctica

USAGE:
Unlike English, where "North Pole" and "Arctic" are distinct, 北極(ほっきょく) covers both meanings. Context usually clarifies whether the specific point or the wider region is intended.

Related Words

Antonym: 南極(なんきょく) (South Pole)
general
Added 2026.3.14 13:25 · Revised 2026.3.29 19:42
16500/16689_hokkyoku