noun, noun, used as a suffix
mountain pass; ridge; highest point on a road
Refers to a physical mountain pass or the highest point along a mountain road. Also used as a suffix in place names (e.g., 箱根峠).
峠を越えると、小さな村が見えてきた。
After crossing the pass, a small village came into view.
この道は峠まで急な
This road continues as a steep slope up to the pass.
noun
peak; worst; crisis; critical point
Figurative extension: the peak or most difficult part of a situation, such as the height of summer, the worst stage of an illness, or a critical juncture. Often used in phrases like 峠を越す (to pass the peak/crisis).
暑さも峠を越したようだ。
It seems the worst of the heat has passed.
病気は今夜が峠だと言われた。
They said tonight will be the crisis point of the illness.