南極
Meanings
1
Refers specifically to the geographic South Pole, the southernmost point on Earth.
The South Pole is located inland on the Antarctic continent.
2
Antarctica; the Antarctic
Refers to the Antarctic region or continent as a whole. Often used in compounds like 南極圏 (Antarctic Circle) and 南極大陸 (Antarctic continent).
There are many penguins in Antarctica.
Usage patterns
- 南極に行くto go to Antarctica
My father has been to Antarctica for research.
- 南極で〈物〉を観測するto observe/measure something in Antarctica
Scientists are observing the ozone layer in Antarctica.
- 南極の氷が溶けるthe Antarctic ice melts
The Antarctic ice is melting due to global warming.