末端

• Reading: まったん
• Romaji: mattan
• Kanji breakdown: 末 (matsu/sue) — end, tip; 端 (tan/hashi) — edge, extremity
• Pronunciation: /mat.taɴ/

Meaning

End; tip; extremity; the peripheral edge. Refers to the outermost point of a physical structure, system, or organisation.

A noun used both physically (the tip of a nerve, the end of a pipe) and organisationally (the lowest rung of a hierarchy). 末端価格 (mattan kakaku) is the retail price at the end of the distribution chain. Common in business, medical, and administrative discourse when discussing what reaches — or fails to reach — the periphery.

Examples

1. 組織の末端に至るまで、方針が徹底されていない。 The policy has not been thoroughly implemented all the way down to the periphery of the organization.
2. 神経の末端が損傷を受けると、感覚が失われる。 When the nerve endings are damaged, sensation is lost.
3. この薬物の末端価格は想像を絶するほど高い。 The street price of this drug is unimaginably high.

Usage Guide

Context: business, medicine, organisational management

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 末 (matsu) meaning 'end, tip' and 端 (tan) meaning 'edge, extremity.' Together they refer to the furthest or outermost point of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated