Translation guide
Describes something that marks the beginning of a new era or is highly significant and innovative. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with set phrases like 画期的 or エポックメイキング, but the latter is less common and can sound like English jargon.
To describe an event, invention, or idea that is so new and important it changes the way things are done.
The most natural and common way to say 'epoch-making' in Japanese. Used for breakthroughs in technology, science, or ideas.
これは画期的な発明だ。
This is an epoch-making invention.
画期的な治療法が開発された。
An epoch-making treatment has been developed.
A direct loanword from English. Understandable but less common than 画期的. Often used in marketing or to sound trendy.
May sound like English jargon or marketing speak. Use 画期的 for more natural Japanese.
このエポックメイキングな製品は世界を変えるだろう。
This epoch-making product will change the world.
A more literary or formal phrase meaning 'to mark an era'. Used in historical or academic contexts.
その発見は時代を画するものだった。
That discovery was epoch-making.
To emphasize that an event is so significant it defines the beginning of a new era in history.
Literally 'the opening curtain of a new era'. A natural and dramatic way to describe an epoch-making event.
この条約は新時代の幕開けとなった。
This treaty marked the dawn of a new era.
Means 'historic' and is often used where English might say 'epoch-making' for events of great historical importance.
歴史的な決定が下された。
An epoch-making decision was made.
画期的 is the standard Japanese word for 'epoch-making' and is used in all contexts. エポックメイキング is a loanword that can sound like English jargon; it's best avoided in formal writing or when you want to sound natural.
Do not try to translate 'epoch-making' word-for-word. Phrases like 時代を作る are not idiomatic. Stick to 画期的 or the set phrases provided.
インターネットの発明は画期的だった。
The invention of the internet was epoch-making.
彼女の研究は画期的な発見につながった。
Her research led to an epoch-making discovery.