Top meanings in Japanese

上部 (じょうぶ, jōbu)

Example:

The top of the mountain is covered in snow.

山の上部は雪に覆われています。

Please place the book on the top shelf.

本を上部の棚に置いてください。

Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both everyday conversation and formal writing when referring to the upper part of something.

Note: This term can refer to physical locations and can also be used metaphorically.

最高 (さいこう, saikō)

Example:

She is at the top of her class.

彼女はクラスの最高の成績です。

This is the top priority on our list.

これは私たちのリストの最高の優先事項です。

Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in contexts where ranking, quality, or importance is being discussed.

Note: This meaning emphasizes excellence or superiority.

最上部 (さいじょうぶ, saijōbu)

Example:

The top part of the cake is decorated beautifully.

ケーキの最上部は美しく飾られています。

We need to reach the top of the tree.

木の最上部に達する必要があります。

Usage: formalContext: Often used in technical or descriptive contexts.

Note: This term is more specific and often used in formal or written Japanese.

トップ (とっぷ, toppu)

Example:

He is the top player in the league.

彼はリーグのトップ選手です。

The company is looking for a top candidate.

その会社はトップの候補者を探しています。

Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in casual conversation and business contexts, often borrowed from English.

Note: This term is often used in marketing and business jargon.

先端 (せんたん, sentan)

Example:

The top of the pencil is sharp.

鉛筆の先端は鋭いです。

The top of the spear was made of iron.

槍の先端は鉄でできていました。

Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when referring to the tip or point of an object.

Note: This term can also imply the forefront or cutting edge of technology or ideas.

peak

Peak refers to the highest point or summit of something, like a mountain or a career.

Example: She reached the peak of the mountain after a long hike.

Note: Peak is often used in the context of reaching the highest point physically or metaphorically, while 'top' is more general.

summit

Summit also means the highest point, especially of a mountain, but can also refer to a meeting of leaders or a high-level conference.

Example: The leaders gathered at the summit to discuss important issues.

Note: Summit is more specific and often used in the context of meetings or gatherings at the highest level.

crest

Crest refers to the highest part or point of a hill or wave.

Example: The hikers could see the sunrise from the crest of the hill.

Note: Crest is used more in the context of natural formations like hills or waves.

apex

Apex means the highest point or pinnacle, often used in the context of success or achievement.

Example: The apex of her career was when she won the prestigious award.

Note: Apex is more formal and is commonly used in academic or professional settings.

top of the line

Refers to something being of the highest quality or standard.

Example: This car is top of the line in terms of luxury and performance.

Note: The original word 'top' simply refers to the highest point or part of something, whereas 'top of the line' emphasizes superior quality.

top-notch

Describes something as outstanding, excellent, or of the highest quality.

Example: She always delivers top-notch presentations at work.

Note: While 'top' can mean the highest point, 'top-notch' emphasizes excellence and superiority.

on top of the world

To feel extremely happy, successful, or jubilant.

Example: After receiving the promotion, he felt on top of the world.

Note: This phrase goes beyond the physical concept of 'top' and conveys a feeling of euphoria and elation.

top priority

Refers to the most important or urgent task or objective.

Example: Ensuring customer satisfaction is our top priority.

Note: While 'top' can simply denote the highest position, 'top priority' emphasizes the utmost importance of a task or goal.

reach the top

To achieve the highest level of success or accomplishment in a particular field.

Example: She worked hard to reach the top of her career.

Note: Unlike 'top' which denotes the highest point, 'reach the top' specifically refers to achieving success or a high position.

on top of things

To be in control of a situation, organized, and aware of what is happening.

Example: Despite the challenges, she always manages to stay on top of things at work.

Note: While 'top' signifies the highest part, 'on top of things' implies being in control and managing tasks effectively.

top dollar

Refers to paying a high price or premium for something.

Example: He paid top dollar for that vintage watch.

Note: Unlike 'top' which denotes the highest point, 'top dollar' emphasizes the high cost or value of something.

Top it off

To make a good situation even better.

Example: We had a great day at the beach, and to top it off, we saw a beautiful sunset.

Note: It emphasizes the idea of adding something incredible or special to an already good situation.

Topping

Refers to the decorative elements placed on top of something, like food or beverages.

Example: She's into cake decorating and has become a pro at making beautifully intricate toppings.

Note: It specifically focuses on the decorative aspect of a topping, rather than just the top layer itself.

Over the top

Excessive, dramatic, or exaggerated behavior or reactions.

Example: His reaction to the news was way over the top; he started jumping up and down in excitement.

Note: It suggests behavior that goes beyond what is considered normal or appropriate, often in a flamboyant manner.

Top of the hour

Refers to the beginning of a new hour on the clock.

Example: The news starts at the top of the hour, so make sure you tune in right on time.

Note: It specifies the exact start time of an event or program, indicating the topmost point of the hour.

Top secret

Used to describe information that is extremely confidential and restricted.

Example: The government has classified the information as top secret, and only a few people have access to it.

Note: It denotes the highest level of secrecy, typically involving sensitive government or organizational information.

Top dog

Refers to the person or entity that holds the highest position or authority in a group.

Example: After the successful merger, he became the top dog in the company and had a lot of decision-making power.

Note: It signifies being at the top of a hierarchy or power structure, usually in a competitive or organizational context.

Top tier

Refers to the highest level or quality within a particular category or group.

Example: He only shops at top-tier stores known for their luxury brands and exclusive products.

Note: It suggests being among the best or most prestigious options available, often associated with elitism or exclusivity.

The top of the mountain was covered in snow.

She is one of the top students in her class.

The restaurant is located on the top floor of the building.

Top - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)

Lemma: top

Conjugations

Adjective (Adjective): top

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): topped

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): topping

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): tops

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): top

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): top

Syllabification and Stress

top Contains 1 syllables: top

Phonetic transcription: ˈtäp

top , ˈtäp (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

top: 900 - 1000 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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