1.
gangster; yakuza member; organized crime member
A person involved in organized crime. Often used as a synonym for yakuza in media and popular culture.
極道映画が好きだ。
I like gangster movies.
極道の世界から足を洗った。
He left the world of organized crime behind.
あの映画は極道の親分と子分の関係を描いている。
That movie depicts the relationship between a gang boss and his subordinates.
2.
delinquent; good-for-nothing; wastrel
A person who leads an immoral or dissolute lifestyle. The original meaning before it became associated primarily with organized crime.
若い頃は極道な生活を送っていた。
In my youth, I led a dissolute lifestyle.
あの息子は極道息子で、親を泣かせている。
That son is a good-for-nothing who makes his parents cry.
極道な道に進まないように、子供にしっかり教育したい。
I want to educate my children properly so they don't go down the wrong path.
ETYMOLOGY:
Originally a Buddhist term meaning "the furthest extreme of the path" — someone who has strayed so far from the righteous path that they are beyond redemption.
USAGE:
In modern usage, sense 1 (gangster/yakuza) is dominant, especially due to popular films and manga. The word is widely known through the "極道の妻たち" film series. Sense 2 is more old-fashioned.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- やくざ: yakuza — the most common term for Japanese organized crime members
- 暴力団: organized crime group — the official/legal term