Translation guide
A specific spot on the body that is sensitive to pressure, used in martial arts, massage, or metaphorically to mean a vulnerable point.
A spot on the body where a strike or pressure can cause pain, disable, or control an opponent.
A spot on the body pressed to relieve tension or pain, often in shiatsu or reflexology.
The most common word for acupressure points. Used in massage, shiatsu, and everyday talk about relieving stiffness.
A weakness or sensitive area in a system, argument, or person's emotions.
Metaphorically means a weak point or Achilles' heel. Can be used for systems, plans, or people.
急所 is primarily for vital/pressure points in combat or metaphorically for weak points. ツボ is for acupressure/massage points and can also mean 'the spot that feels good' or 'the crucial point' in casual speech (e.g., 笑いのツボ 'funny bone').
He accurately struck his opponent's pressure point.
Often used for acupressure points, but can also refer to pressure points in martial arts. More common in massage contexts.
そのツボを押すと相手は動けなくなる。
If you press that pressure point, the opponent becomes unable to move.
Literally 'vital points of the human body'. Used in detailed martial arts manuals.
この武術では人体の急所を攻撃する技が多い。
This martial art has many techniques that attack pressure points on the human body.
肩のツボを押してもらうと気持ちいい。
It feels good when someone presses the pressure points on my shoulders.
Technical term for acupuncture points. Used in traditional Chinese medicine contexts.
この経穴は頭痛に効くと言われている。
This pressure point is said to be effective for headaches.
彼の急所は家族のことだ。
His pressure point is his family.
その計画の急所は資金不足だ。
The pressure point of that plan is the lack of funds.
General word for weakness or vulnerable point. Less specific than 急所 but very common.
彼の弱点を突いて交渉を有利に進めた。
He exploited his opponent's pressure point to gain an advantage in negotiations.
Literally 'painful place'. Used when someone touches on a sensitive topic.
彼女は私の痛いところを突いてきた。
She hit my pressure point (brought up a sensitive topic).