両極端(りょうきょくたん)

りょうきょくたん
noun, na-adjective
both extremes; polar opposites
1. both extremes; polar opposites
Two completely opposite ends of a spectrum. Used to describe situations, opinions, or characteristics that are at opposite extremes.
意見(いけん)が両極端(りょうきょくたん)に分(わ)かれた。
Opinions were split to both extremes.
兄弟(きょうだい)なのに性格(せいかく)が両極端(りょうきょくたん)だ。
Even though they're siblings, their personalities are polar opposites.
両極端(りょうきょくたん)な考(かんが)え方(かた)を避(さ)けて、中間(ちゅうかん)の立場(たちば)を取(と)るべきだ。
We should avoid extreme thinking and take a middle position.

Composed of 両(りょう) (both) + 極端(きょくたん) (extreme). Describes two things or positions that are at completely opposite ends of a spectrum.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 両極端(りょうきょくたん)に分(わ)かれる: to split to both extremes
  • 両極端(りょうきょくたん)な意見(いけん): diametrically opposed opinions
  • 両極端(りょうきょくたん)な性格(せいかく): completely opposite personalities

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 極端(きょくたん): extreme — refers to one extreme, not the contrast between two
  • 対極(たいきょく): opposite pole — emphasizes the relationship between two opposing things
  • 正反対(せいはんたい): exact opposite — used for two things that are directly opposite

USAGE:
Can function as a noun or as a na-adjective (両極端(りょうきょくたん)な). Often implies that a balanced middle ground would be preferable.

general
Added 2026.3.29 1:18
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