Mountain Pass
The Worst
noun, suffix
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
峠 refers to a mountain pass, and often specifically the highest point of a mountain pass, where it passes between two mountains. When used figuratively, it means the worst, as in the toughest moment of a specific event, like the height of a health crisis or the hottest day of a heatwave.
You climb along the mountain pass and see adorable little Tokyo geckos (とうげ) climbing all over the place. They're climbing with you now!
この峠で転ぶと、三年だけしか生きられないという言い伝えがあります。
Legends says, if you fall off this mountain pass you’ll only have three years left to live.