争点

• Reading: そうてん
• Romaji: souten
• Kanji breakdown: 争 (sou/araso) — to dispute, compete, argue; 点 (ten) — point, dot
• Pronunciation: /soː.teɴ/

Meaning

Point at issue; point of contention. The central matter being disputed or debated.

A noun referring to the key topic in a dispute, debate, or legal case. Commonly used in political reporting, courtroom proceedings, and formal discussions. Often appears in phrases like 争点となる (to become a point of contention) and 最大の争点 (the biggest issue at stake). Essential vocabulary for understanding news and politics.

Examples

1. 今回の選挙の最大の争点は経済政策だ。 The biggest issue in this election is economic policy.
2. 裁判の争点は契約の有効性にある。 The point of contention in the trial is the validity of the contract.
3. 環境問題が国際会議の争点となっている。 Environmental issues have become the main point of contention at the international conference.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, legal, media, debate

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 争 (sou, to dispute/compete) + 点 (ten, point). Literally 'dispute point,' directly describing the focal point of a disagreement.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional