頂上

• Reading: ちょうじょう
• Romaji: choujou
• Kanji breakdown: 頂 (chou) — summit, top; 上 (jou) — above, top
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.dʑoː/

Meaning

Summit; peak; top. The highest point of a mountain or figuratively of achievement.

A noun primarily used for mountain peaks: 山の頂上 (yama no choujou, the summit). Also used figuratively for the peak of something: 頂上会談 (choujou kaidan, summit meeting between leaders). Conveys a sense of reaching the absolute highest point after effort.

Examples

1. 三時間かけてやっと山の頂上に着いた。 After three hours, I finally reached the summit.
2. 頂上からの景色は本当に素晴らしかった。 The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking.
3. 頂上を目指して一歩ずつ登り続けた。 I kept climbing toward the summit, one step at a time.

Usage Guide

Context: hiking, nature, achievement

Tone: aspirational

Origin & History

Composed of 頂 (chou, summit/top of head) and 上 (jou, above/top). The 頂 kanji contains 頁 (head) and 丁 (nail/peak), evoking the very top point.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal