絶頂

• Reading: ぜっちょう
• Romaji: zecchou
• Kanji breakdown: 絶 (zetsu) — extreme, surpassing; 頂 (chō) — top, peak
• Pronunciation: /zeʔ.tɕoː/

Meaning

Peak; summit; climax; zenith. The highest point of something physical or abstract.

A noun describing the topmost point — literally the summit of a mountain, but most commonly used metaphorically to refer to the height of fame, power, happiness, or career. 絶頂期 refers to one's prime or peak period. It conveys a sense of incomparable greatness, and often implies the peak was temporary or has passed.

Examples

1. 彼女は芸能界での人気が絶頂に達した頃に突然引退した。 She suddenly retired just as her popularity in the entertainment world had reached its peak.
2. 歓喜の絶頂にある選手たちは、涙を流しながら優勝を分かち合った。 The players, at the height of their joy, shared the championship win while shedding tears.
3. その帝国は19世紀に絶頂を迎え、その後衰退の一途をたどった。 The empire reached its zenith in the 19th century, after which it went into steady decline.

Usage Guide

Context: career, achievement, history, emotion

Tone: elevated

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 絶 (zetsu) means extreme or surpassing, 頂 (chō) means top or peak. Together: 'the ultimate top.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal