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.
話の要点をまとめてください。
Please summarize the main points of the talk.
彼の説明は要点がはっきりしない。
His explanation doesn't get to the point.
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.
会議の趣旨を説明します。
I will explain the purpose of the meeting.
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...
You want to refer to a specific spot or position.
meeting point · starting point · a point on the map
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.
要点をまとめると、コスト削減が必要です。
To summarize the main point, cost reduction is necessary.
今日のミーティングのポイントは3つあります。
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).
そんなことをして何の意味があるの？
What's the point of doing that?
Natural Japanese often uses 意味 (meaning) instead of a direct translation of "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.
ポイントは何ですか？
What's the point?
I agree on that point.
いくつかの点で問題があります。
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.
それは鋭い指摘ですね。
That's a sharp point.
彼の指摘は正しかった。
His point was correct.
A point of argument or issue in a debate. Formal.
論点を整理しましょう。
Let's organize the points of discussion.
鉛筆の先が折れた。
The point of the pencil broke.
指の先が冷たい。
The tips of my fingers are cold.
The尖端, tip, or point, often used for technology or formal descriptions.
針の先端は非常に細い。
The point of the needle is very fine.
Point in time, moment. Very common.
現時点では何も決まっていません。
At this point, nothing has been decided.
その時点で彼はもう帰っていた。
At that point, he had already left.
Stage, phase, or point in a process.
この段階ではまだ変更可能です。
At this point, changes are still possible.
A point, spot, or location. Used for maps, geography, and abstract locations.
地図上のこの地点が目的地です。
This point on the map is our destination.
スタート地点に集まってください。
Please gather at the starting point.
Also used for a point or spot, especially in casual or business contexts (e.g., meeting point).
待ち合わせポイントは駅の改札前です。
The meeting point is in front of the station ticket gate.
I got 90 points on the exam.
彼のチームが先に10点取った。
His team scored 10 points first.
Often used for loyalty points, game points, or percentage points.
このカードでポイントが貯まります。
You can earn points with this card.
円周率は3.14です。
Pi is three point one four.
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).
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).