峠
Meaning
Mountain pass; the highest point of a mountain road; the peak or crisis point of a situation. Used both literally for geography and figuratively for turning points.
A yamato kotoba noun written with a kokuji (Japan-made character) that combines 山 (mountain), 上 (above), and 下 (below), capturing the idea of crossing over the high point between two valleys. Figuratively, 峠を越える means to pass the worst point of an illness, crisis, or difficulty — making it a versatile word in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Examples
- 急カーブが連続する峠を越えると、眼下に美しい渓谷が広がった。 After crossing the pass with its succession of sharp curves, a beautiful valley spread out far below.
- 病状は峠を越え、医師からようやく安心できると告げられた。 The illness has passed its peak, and the doctor finally told us we could breathe easy.
- 真冬の峠道は凍結しているため、チェーンの装着が義務付けられている。 The mountain pass road is frozen in the dead of winter, so snow chains are required.
Usage Guide
Context: geography, hiking, figurative language
Tone: descriptive
Origin & History
Native Japanese word (yamato kotoba). The kanji 峠 is a kokuji character combining 山, 上, and 下, visually representing the act of ascending and descending a mountain at its crossing point.
Cultural Context
Era: Classical–Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Related Phrases
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