本題

• Reading: ほんだい
• Romaji: hondai
• Kanji breakdown: 本 (hon) — main, true; 題 (dai) — topic, subject
• Pronunciation: /hoɴ.da.i/

Meaning

Main topic; main subject; main issue. The central point of a discussion or presentation.

A noun used to signal the core subject of a conversation, meeting, or written piece. Very commonly used in the set phrase 本題に入る (to get to the main topic) after preliminary remarks. Also seen in 本題に戻る (to return to the main topic) when a discussion has drifted off course. Essential in business meetings, presentations, and formal writing.

Examples

1. それでは本題に入りましょう。 Now let's get to the main topic.
2. 雑談はこのくらいにして本題に戻りませんか。 Shall we wrap up the small talk and get back to the main topic?
3. 前置きが長くなりましたがそろそろ本題に移ります。 The introduction has gone on long enough—let's move on to the main subject.

Usage Guide

Context: meetings, presentations, conversations, writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 本 (hon, main/true) + 題 (dai, topic/subject). Literally 'the true topic,' referring to the essential subject at hand as opposed to introductory or tangential matters.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal