Translation guide
The central idea, the most important part, or the gist of something. In Japanese, this is expressed with words like 要点, 本題, or 主旨, depending on whether you mean the key takeaway, the main topic, or the essential meaning.
The most important part of a talk, text, or explanation; the essential point to remember.
The main points or gist; often used for summaries or key takeaways.
話の要点をまとめてください。
Please summarize the main points of the talk.
彼の説明の要点がわからなかった。
I didn't get the main point of his explanation.
Loanword from English; casual and common in speech. Often means the key point or highlight.
今日の講義のポイントは何ですか？
What's the main point of today's lecture?
The crucial or essential point; emphasizes importance.
肝心な点を見逃してはいけない。
You must not miss the main point.
The gist or outline; somewhat formal and often used in written contexts.
提案の骨子を説明します。
I will explain the main points of the proposal.
The primary subject of a discussion, meeting, or piece of writing; what it's really about.
The main subject or topic, especially after preliminaries.
前置きはいいから、本題に入りましょう。
Enough with the introduction, let's get to the main point.
The main theme or subject, often used for essays, discussions, or artistic works.
The main point or purport; often used for the underlying meaning or intention.
彼の話の主旨が理解できなかった。
I couldn't understand the main point of his story.
The fundamental message or the heart of the matter.
The main point or gist, especially the intended meaning or purpose.
会議の趣旨を説明してください。
Please explain the main point of the meeting.
The summary or gist; often used for written summaries.
Literally 'what one wants to say'; a very natural way to refer to the main point in casual conversation.
彼の言いたいことがよくわからない。
I don't really get his main point.
What matters most; the key issue or priority.
The most important thing; a straightforward and natural expression.
一番大事なことは健康です。
The main point is health.
The core or heart of the matter; emphasizes the central issue.
問題の核心に触れる。
Get to the main point of the problem.
要点 is for key points or takeaways, like bullet points. 本題 is the main topic after digressions. 主旨 is the underlying meaning or intention. Use 要点 for summaries, 本題 to get back on track, and 主旨 for the intended message.
ポイント is very common in spoken Japanese and can replace 要点 in casual settings. However, it can sound less formal in writing.
この記事の要点は何ですか？
What's the main point of this article?
本題に入りましょう。
Let's get to the main point.
彼の議論の主旨を聞き逃した。
I missed the main point of his argument.
The main point of this paper is environmental issues.
Please tell me the main point of his speech.