Japanese word

本題

Pronunciation

Romajihondai

Meaning

  • nounmain point

Example

では、本題に入りましょう。de wa hon dai ni hai ri ma shō

Now, let's get to the main point.

Illustration for 本題 (main point)

More examples

話が横道にそれたので、本題に戻ります。hanashi ga yoko michi ni so re ta no de hon dai ni modo ri ma su

I went off on a tangent, so I will return to the main point.

Core concept

Points to the main subject or issue that gives a discussion its direction and purpose.

Common phrases

  • 本題に入るhon dai ni hai ru

    get to the main point

  • 本題に移るhon dai ni utsu ru

    move on to the main point

  • 本題を切り出すhon dai o ki ri da su

    bring up the main topic

Similar words

主題shudai: The main subject or theme being discussed.
本筋honsuji: The central line or essential point of an argument or discussion.
本論honron: The main argument or substance of a discussion or written work.

Definition in Japanese

話し合いや議論で中心として取り上げる事柄。hana shi a i ya gi ron de chū shin to shi te to ri a ge ru koto gara

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 本題 (hondai) combines 本 (hon, "main") with 題 (dai, "topic" or "subject").

Usage tips

  • A speaker may mention 本題 (hondai) when distinguishing the central matter of a conversation from side comments or casual talk.

Other meanings

  • main issuenoun
  • main topicnoun

Word lists with this word