画期的

• Reading: かっきてき
• Romaji: kakkiteki
• Kanji breakdown: 画 (kaku) — draw, plan, divide; 期 (ki) — period, era; 的 (teki) — -like, -ical
• Pronunciation: /kak.ki.te.ki/

Meaning

Ground-breaking; revolutionary; epoch-making; unprecedented. Describes something that marks a major turning point.

A na-adjective used to describe innovations, inventions, or events that represent a major breakthrough. Common in news, technology, and academic contexts — 画期的な発明 (a ground-breaking invention), 画期的な治療法 (a revolutionary treatment). Carries a strongly positive connotation of progress and significance.

Examples

1. この新薬は画期的な治療法として注目されている。 This new drug is attracting attention as a revolutionary treatment.
2. 画期的なアイデアで業界の常識を覆した。 A ground-breaking idea overturned the conventional wisdom of the industry.
3. 彼の研究は画期的な成果を上げた。 His research achieved ground-breaking results.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, science, business, news

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 画期 (kakki, epoch/era-defining) + 的 (teki, -like/-ical). The compound 画期 combines 画 (kaku, to draw/to divide) and 期 (ki, period/era), suggesting something that draws a line between one era and the next.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal