強調

• Reading: きょうちょう
• Romaji: kyouchou
• Kanji breakdown: 強 (kyō) — strong, powerful; 調 (chō) — tone, tune, investigate
• Pronunciation: /kjoː.tɕoː/

Meaning

Emphasis; stress. Drawing special attention to a point or idea.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (強調する). Used in speech, writing, and visual design to indicate something is being highlighted or stressed. Common patterns include …を強調する (to emphasise…) and 強調される (to be emphasised). Also used as a modifier: 強調表現 (emphatic expression). Frequently appears in academic and business presentations.

Examples

1. 先生は安全の大切さを強調した。 The teacher emphasized the importance of safety.
2. プレゼンで一番伝えたいことを強調すべきだ。 You should emphasize the main point you want to convey in your presentation.
3. 彼女は何度もその点を強調していた。 She kept stressing that point over and over.

Usage Guide

Context: presentations, academic writing, discussions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 強 (kyō, strong) and 調 (chō, tone/tune). Together, 'strengthening the tone' — making a point ring out more loudly.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal