Japanese word

焦点

Pronunciation

Romajishōten

Meaning

  • nounfocus

Example

今回の話し合いの焦点は環境問題です。kon kai no hana shi a i no shō ten wa kan kyō mon dai de su

The focus of today's discussion is environmental issues.

Illustration for 焦点 (focus)

More examples

質問が多すぎると、議論の焦点がぼやけます。shitsu mon ga ō su gi ru to gi ron no shō ten ga bo ya ke ma su

When there are too many questions, the focus of the discussion becomes unclear.

Core concept

Refers to the point in a subject or discussion where the most attention is concentrated.

Common phrases

  • 焦点を当てるshō ten o a te ru

    focus on ___

  • 焦点を絞るshō ten o shibo ru

    narrow the focus

  • 焦点がずれるshō ten ga zu re ru

    the focus shifts

Similar words

中心chūshin: The central point around which a subject or discussion is organized.
核心kakushin: The essential part that contains the main meaning or importance of a subject.
主眼shugan: The main point or aim emphasized in a statement, plan, or activity.

Definition in Japanese

多くの人の関心や議論が向かう、物事の中心となる点。ō ku no hito no kan shin ya gi ron ga mu ka u mono goto no chū shin to na ru ten

Word origin

焦点 (shōten) is formed from 焦 (shō, "scorch") and 点 (ten, "point"), a combination that developed from the optical sense of a meeting point to the figurative sense of a main issue.

Usage tips

  • The noun 焦点 (shōten) is used for a central issue, whereas English focus also commonly describes concentrated mental attention or a camera setting.

Word lists with this word