急所
Meanings
vital point; weak spot; tender spot
Refers to a physically vulnerable part of the body, such as the solar plexus or temple. Often used in martial arts or self-defense contexts.
In boxing, targeting vital points is a foul.
He accurately struck his opponent's weak spot.
Colloquial use for the male crotch as a target in fighting. Often used in the phrase 急所を蹴る (kick in the groin).
See also: 金的
He was kicked in the groin and fell down.
In the game of go, a critical intersection where a move can decide the outcome of a local fight or the whole game.
In this position, this is the vital point.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の急所を蹴るto kick someone in a vital point (e.g. the groin)
He kicked his opponent in a vital spot and knocked him down.
- 急所を押さえるto grasp the crux of the matter
His explanation got right to the heart of the issue.
- 急所を外すto miss a vital point (in an attack)
He dodged just in time and avoided the vital point.
- 急所に打つto play a stone at the vital point (in go)
In this position, playing at the vital point is the best move.