接点

• Reading: せってん
• Romaji: setten
• Kanji breakdown: 接 (setsu) — touch, connect; 点 (ten) — point
• Pronunciation: /set.teɴ/

Meaning

Point of contact; point of tangency; common ground.

A noun with both a mathematical meaning (point of tangency) and a figurative meaning (point of contact or connection between people, groups, or ideas). In everyday use, it often describes the overlap or shared ground between individuals or organisations. Also used in electrical contexts to mean a contact point in a circuit.

Examples

1. 二人には仕事以外の接点がほとんどない。 The two of them have almost no connection outside of work.
2. 異なる文化の接点から新しいアイデアが生まれる。 New ideas are born from the intersection of different cultures.
3. 容疑者と被害者の接点を調べている。 Investigators are looking into the connection between the suspect and the victim.

Usage Guide

Context: investigation, relationships, mathematics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 接点. 接 (setsu) means to touch or connect, and 点 (ten) means point. Literally 'a point of contact,' used across mathematics, electronics, and interpersonal contexts.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal