極まる (きわまる) and 極まりない (きわまりない) are both used to express that something has reached an extreme degree – "extremely," "utterly," or "to the highest degree." Despite appearing to be opposites in form (one affirmative, one negative), they carry the same meaning when attached to na-adjectives and similar words.
極まる (きわまる)
literally means "to reach the extreme" or "to be at its peak." When combined with a na-adjective, it expresses that something is extreme in that quality. It attaches directly to the **stem** of a na-adjective (without な or だ).
。
That is an extremely rude attitude.
。
We cannot allow such an extremely dangerous act.
極まる modifies the following noun directly (as an attributive verb), or can end a sentence.
極まりない (きわまりない)
literally means "there is no limit" – i.e., it is limitless in degree. Despite the negative form, it expresses the same intensifying meaning as 極まる. It also attaches to the **stem** of a na-adjective.
。
His words and actions are extremely unpleasant.
だっ。
It was an unbearably boring meeting.
The polite form and the literary form are also used.
Usage notes
- Both forms are formal and literary. They appear more often in written language, speeches, and news than in casual conversation.
- They are most common with negative or critical na-adjectives such as 、、、、、, though they can also be used with positive ones like or .
- There is also the expression 極まって used in the set phrase (overcome with emotion).
。
She was overcome with emotion and shed tears.
- Be careful not to confuse 極まる／極まりない with (きわめて), which is an adverb meaning "extremely" but used differently in grammar.
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