論点

• Reading: ろんてん
• Romaji: ronten
• Kanji breakdown: 論 (ron) — argument, discussion; 点 (ten) — point
• Pronunciation: /ɾoɴ.teɴ/

Meaning

Point at issue; point in question. The central matter under debate or discussion.

A noun referring to the specific topic or question being argued. Essential in meetings, debates, and legal contexts. Common patterns: 論点を整理する (to organise the points at issue), 論点がずれる (to go off topic), 論点を絞る (to narrow down the issue). Distinct from 要点 (main point/gist), which summarises rather than frames a dispute.

Examples

1. 議論の論点がずれてきたので整理しましょう。 The points at issue in our discussion have drifted, so let's organize them.
2. 今回の裁判の論点は契約の解釈にある。 The point at issue in this trial is the interpretation of the contract.
3. 論点を絞らないと会議が長引いてしまう。 If we don't narrow down the issue, the meeting will drag on.

Usage Guide

Context: meetings, debate, law, academic writing

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 論 (ron, argument/discussion) + 点 (ten, point). Literally 'argument point,' indicating the precise matter being debated. A staple of academic and legal Japanese since the Meiji era.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal