足掛かり

• Reading: あしがかり
• Romaji: ashigakari
• Kanji breakdown: 足 (ashi) — foot; 掛 (ka) — hang, contact
• Pronunciation: /a.ɕi.ɡa.ka.ɾi/

Meaning

Foothold; stepping stone; starting point. An initial position that enables further progress.

A noun combining 足 (foot) and 掛かり (a point of contact or grip). Literally refers to a foothold on a rock face or ladder, but is widely used metaphorically for a strategic position, an entry point into a market, or an opportunity that enables advancement. Similar to 足がかり with slightly more formal nuance.

Examples

1. この小さな受注が海外市場への足掛かりになると確信している。 I'm confident that this small order will serve as a foothold into the overseas market.
2. 語学留学が彼女のキャリアの足掛かりとなった。 Studying abroad became the stepping stone for her career.
3. 研究の足掛かりとして、まず先行文献を洗い出した。 As a starting point for the research, we first surveyed the existing literature.

Usage Guide

Context: business, career, strategy, research

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Native Japanese compound: 足 (ashi) — foot, 掛かり (kakari) — point of contact, grip. The image is of placing a foot somewhere to gain purchase before climbing higher.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Business