Japanese grammar

What does ～極まる mean? Japanese grammar N1

～極まる means extremely; immensely.

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N1
Structure	Aな／N + 極まる
Romaji	kiwamaru
Meaning	extremely; immensely

Forming it

Connection	Aな／N + 極まる

How to use it

Pushes the degree to the extreme: "extremely, beyond words". Mainly used for negative evaluations.

The two forms 「極まる」 and 「極まりない」 have the SAME meaning (both mean "extremely"), even though one is affirmative and the other negative — this is the point most easily confused.
Attaches to a na-adjective with 「な」 dropped: 「失礼極まる／失礼極まりない」「危険極まりない」. It can also combine with a few nouns: 「不愉快極まる」.
Written style, a harsh tone. To express a high degree neutrally, use 「非常に」.

Examples

失礼(しつれい)極(きわ)まる態度(たいど)だ。
That is an extremely rude attitude.
危険(きけん)極(きわ)まりない行為(こうい)です。
This is an extremely dangerous act.

Keep in mind

Drop 「な」 before 極まる: 「失礼極まる」, not 「失礼な極まる」.
「極まりない」 is NOT a negative — it still means "extremely".

Common mistakes

Wrong失礼(しつれい)に極(きわ)まる態度(たいど)だ。

Correct失礼(しつれい)極(きわ)まる態度(たいど)だ。

A na-adjective/noun attaches directly to 極まる (no に).

Exam tips

「極まる」＝「極まりない」= extremely (usually negative); drop 「な」 when attaching to a na-adjective.

Related patterns

All N1 grammar →