peak

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 峰 means a mountain peak; its kun-reading is みね and its on-reading is ほう.
• Basic usage: 峰(みね) means a peak, while 最高峰(さいこうほう) means the highest peak or a pinnacle.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The highest summit and an outstanding work
  • 峰 refers to a snow-covered peak or a summit reached by climbers. 最高峰 is the highest among a group of peaks.
  • 推理小説の最高峰 evaluates a work as a pinnacle of mystery fiction. 最高峰 can refer to outstanding quality in a work as well as physical height.