登峰造极

登峰造極

dēngfēng-zàojí

idiom #35,661

Meanings

1 to climb the peak and reach the summit
2 to reach the highest level (of skill, achievement, or excess)

Characters

to reach; to make

extreme; the utmost

Examples

他的书法技艺已经登峰造极。

Tā de shūfǎ jìyì yǐjīng dēngfēng-zàojí.

His calligraphy has reached the very pinnacle.

这位演员的演技登峰造极。

Zhè wèi yǎnyuán de yǎnjì dēngfēng-zàojí.

This actor's craft has reached the absolute summit.

他的奢侈生活简直登峰造极。

Tā de shēchǐ shēnghuó jiǎnzhí dēngfēng-zàojí.

His extravagant lifestyle has reached truly unparalleled heights.

Tips

history

From Liu Yiqing's 《世说新语》 (Southern Dynasties), discussing philosophical attainment — the phrase moved from abstract cultivation to any field where someone has topped out.

usage

Most commonly positive (mastery of an art or skill). It can also be used sarcastically or negatively for excesses — 无耻/奢侈登峰造极 — when something bad has reached its extreme.

Stroke Order

登 dēng

峰 fēng

造 zào

极 jí