全盛

ぜんせい

height of prosperity

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"全盛" (ぜんせい) refers to the peak or prime period of something, often used to describe a person’s career, a company’s performance, or a cultural phenomenon at its most successful or active stage.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used in formal or written Japanese to highlight the best or most prosperous time in history or a person's life. For example, "全盛期" (ぜんせいき) means "prime time" or "heyday."

Collocations and Patterns

  • 全盛期 (ぜんせいき): the prime or heyday of something.
  • 全盛を迎える: to reach the peak or prime.
  • 全盛の時代: the era of peak prosperity.

Nuances

Using "全盛" implies a clear peak that may have passed or is currently ongoing. It often carries a slightly formal tone and is common in news, biographies, and historical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "全盛" with general words for "good time" or "success." Remember, "全盛" specifically emphasizes the absolute peak or prime period, not just any positive phase.

Example Sentences

かれはわかいころ、スポーツせんしゅとしてぜんせいをむかえた。

He reached the height of his career as an athlete when he was young.

このかいしゃはいまがぜんせいきで、うりあげもりえきもさいこうだ。

This company is currently in its prime, with sales and profits at their highest.

かのじょのぜんせいきはじゅうねんまえだったが、いまでもおおくのファンがいる。

Her prime was ten years ago, but she still has many fans today.