Japanese grammar
What does ～極まりない mean? Japanese grammar N1
～極まりない means extremely…; utterly… (often negative).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | な形語幹 + 極まりない な形語幹 + 極まる |
| Romaji | kiwamarinai |
| Meaning | extremely…; utterly… (often negative) |
Forming it
| na-adjective (rude) | 失礼 + 極まりない |
|---|---|
| na-adjective (dangerous) | 危険 + 極まりない |
How to use it
States an EXTREME degree of a quality, almost always negative. Attaches to a na-adjective/quality noun.
- 「～極まりない」 = extremely A, to a degree that cannot be surpassed. Almost always used for NEGATIVE qualities: 危険 (dangerous), 失礼 (rude), 不愉快 (unpleasant).
- Attaches to the STEM of a na-adjective (dropping 「な」): 「危険極まりない」 — one does not say 「危険な極まりない」.
- The form 「～極まる」 has nearly the same meaning (感極まる is an exception carrying a positive meaning).
Examples
あんな場所で追い越すとは、危険極まりない。
Overtaking in a place like that is extremely dangerous.
約束を無断で破るとは、失礼極まりない。
Breaking a promise without a word is the height of rudeness.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the stem of a na-adjective.
- Almost always negative in nuance.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼の失礼な態度は極まりない。
His attitude is extremely rude.
Correct彼の態度は失礼極まりない。
「極まりない」 attaches DIRECTLY to the na-adjective stem (失礼極まりない), not separated.
-
Wrongうれしい極まりない。
I was overcome with emotion to the point of tears.
Correct感極まって泣いてしまった。
This pattern attaches to na-adjectives and is usually negative; a positive meaning has its own set phrase 「感極まる」.
Exam tips
- 「極まりない」 = extremely (usually negative); attaches to the STEM of a na-adjective.