Japanese word

節目

Pronunciation

Romajifushime

Meaning

  • nounmilestone

Example

卒業は人生の大きな節目です。sotsu gyō wa jin sei no ō ki na fushi me de su

Graduation is a major milestone in life.

Illustration for 節目 (milestone)

More examples

成人式は、人生における大切な節目の一つです。sei jin shiki wa jin sei ni o ke ru tai setsu na fushi me no hito tsu de su

A coming-of-age ceremony is one of life's important milestones.

Core concept

It treats an important transition as a visible marker along the course of events.

Common phrases

  • 人生の節目jin sei no fushi me

    milestone in life

  • 節目を迎えるfushi me o muka e ru

    reach a milestone

  • 大きな節目ō ki na fushi me

    major milestone

Similar words

転機tenki: An event or period that brings a major change in a person's life or situation.
区切りkugiri: A point that marks the end of one stage and provides a break before the next.
転換点tenkanten: A point at which the direction or nature of a process changes.

Definition in Japanese

人生や物事の進行において、前後を分ける大切な出来事や時点。jin sei ya mono goto no shin kō ni o i te zen go o wa ke ru tai setsu na de ki goto ya ji ten

Word origin

In 節目 (fushime), 節 (fushi, "joint" or "section") is paired with 目 (me, "point"); the image of a joint dividing sections extends to a turning point in life.

Usage tips

  • Unlike a fixed deadline, 節目 (fushime) can refer to an event or point that symbolizes a new stage, giving it a broader sense than a single scheduled date.

Other meanings

  • turning pointnoun

Word lists with this word