极 (jí) - Extreme, utmost, pole & to reach the limit

极Tone 2

jí ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 木

慧佳

极 · jí

Extreme, utmost, pole;

to reach the limit;

highest degree;

very.

Extreme, utmost, poleto reach the limithighest degree

Usage highlights

ExtremelyPolePolar regionUltimateExtremely happyPositive pole

Synonyms

  • 最— most
  • 顶— top, peak
  • 终— end, ultimate

Antonyms

  • 常— ordinary, common
  • 中— middle, moderate

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This is extremely important (极其重要).
  • The North Pole (北极) is very cold.
  • He is very happy (极为高兴).
  • We must actively participate (积极参与).

Collocations

  • Extremely(极其)
  • Pole (e.g., North Pole)(极地)
  • Polar region(极地)
  • Ultimate(终极)
  • Extremely happy(极乐)
  • Positive pole(正极)

Idioms

  • Extreme joy begets sorrow(乐极生悲)
  • Reaching the peak of perfection(登峰造极)
  • The acme of perfection(穷极其妙)
  • From one extreme to the other(物极必反)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the ridgepole of a house, the highest point, later extended to mean 'utmost' or 'extreme'.
  • In Taoist and Buddhist contexts, '极乐' (Extreme Joy) refers to the Pure Land, a paradise.
  • The concept of '物极必反' (things will develop in the opposite direction when they become extreme) is a core idea in Chinese philosophy.

FAQ