Explore 極 in words for poles, extremes and reaching a high level of skill. Learn each reading with its whole word.
The idea
極 has 12 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 北極 is ほっきょく, 極端 is きょくたん, and 極める is きわめる. 極めて means extremely; 積極的 describes an active attitude.
| Word | Reading | Example in context |
|---|---|---|
| 北極 | ほっきょく | There is a lot of ice in the Arctic. |
| 南極 | なんきょく | A magnet has a north pole and a south pole. |
| 極端 | きょくたん | The two opinions are extremely different. |
| 積極的 | せっきょくてき | He took an active part in the discussion. |
| 極める | きわめる | She mastered the skill over many years. |
| 極めて | きわめて | This investigation is extremely important. |
Examples
- 北極には多くの氷があります。There is a lot of ice in the Arctic.
- 磁石には北極と南極があります。A magnet has a north pole and a south pole.
- 彼は議論に積極的に参加しました。He took an active part in the discussion.
- その二つの意見は極端に違います。The two opinions are extremely different.
- 彼女は長年かけてその技を極めました。She mastered the skill over many years.
- 今回の調査は極めて重要です。This investigation is extremely important.
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Watch out
The reading depends on the word: 北極 has a small っ before きょく, while 極める uses きわ. 極端 means extreme, whereas 積極的 means active or proactive.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 北極 in hiragana.
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ほっきょく
北極 is ほっきょく: the small っ marks a pause before きょく. It can refer to the Arctic or a north pole.
Write the reading of 極める in hiragana.
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きわめる
極める is きわめる, meaning to master or pursue something to its limit. The kana める are part of the word.
Choose the missing kanji: 積＿的（せっきょくてき）［極／板］.
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極
極 completes 積極的（せっきょくてき）, meaning active or proactive; 板 does not form this word.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 北極 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 極める in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 積＿的（せっきょくてき）［極／板］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 極 using the stroke diagram. Cover the table, read 北極 and 極める, then make a sentence with one.