Translation guide
The English word "point" has many meanings. This guide covers the most useful ones for learners, organized by what you want to express.
You want to talk about the most important part of what someone said, or the reason for doing something.
What's your point? · Get to the point. · I don't see the point.
The main point, gist, or essential part. Common in both speech and writing.
Please summarize the main points of the talk.
Loanword from English, very common in casual and business contexts. Often means the key point or the main takeaway.
The purpose or intent, often used in formal or legal contexts.
You want to refer to a particular idea, fact, or reason in a discussion.
That's a good point. · You have a point there. · Let me make one more point.
A point, aspect, or respect. Very common in formal and written Japanese.
You want to refer to the sharp end of something physical.
the point of a knife · pencil point · the point of the needle
The tip or point of something long and thin.
You want to refer to a specific instant or stage.
at this point · at that point in time · reaching a point where...
Point in time, moment. Very common.
You want to refer to a specific spot or position.
meeting point · starting point · a point on the map
A point, spot, or location. Used for maps, geography, and abstract locations.
You want to talk about points in a game, test, or as a unit.
score points · loyalty points · percentage points
Points in a game, test score, or numerical value.
You want to say a number with a decimal.
three point one four
Used as the decimal point when reading numbers.
Both mean "point" in the sense of the main idea. 要点 is more formal and often used in writing or serious speech. ポイント is a casual loanword and very common in business and everyday conversation. In very formal contexts, prefer 要点.
To summarize the main point, cost reduction is necessary.
What's the point of doing that?
Natural Japanese often uses 意味 (meaning) instead of a direct translation of "point".
His explanation doesn't get to the point.
プレゼンのポイントを3つに絞りました。
I narrowed down the presentation to three key points.
What's the point?
I will explain the purpose of the meeting.
その点については同意します。
I agree on that point.
There are problems on several points.
A point raised, an observation, or a comment pointing something out. Often used when acknowledging someone's valid point.
That's a sharp point.
His point was correct.
A point of argument or issue in a debate. Formal.
Let's organize the points of discussion.
鉛筆の先が折れた。
The point of the pencil broke.
The tips of my fingers are cold.
The尖端, tip, or point, often used for technology or formal descriptions.
The point of the needle is very fine.
At this point, nothing has been decided.
At that point, he had already left.
Stage, phase, or point in a process.
At this point, changes are still possible.
This point on the map is our destination.
Please gather at the starting point.
Also used for a point or spot, especially in casual or business contexts (e.g., meeting point).
The meeting point is in front of the station ticket gate.
試験で90点を取った。
I got 90 points on the exam.
His team scored 10 points first.
Often used for loyalty points, game points, or percentage points.
You can earn points with this card.
円周率は3.14です。
Pi is three point one four.
There are three key points for today's meeting.
The phrase "point of view" is usually translated as 視点 (してん) or 観点 (かんてん), not using 点 alone. For example: 彼の視点から見ると (From his point of view).
When you want to say "in terms of..." or "regarding this point," use 点 (てん) with で or において. Example: その点で彼は優れている (He is superior in that respect).
I see your point.
Polite way to acknowledge someone's argument.