趣旨

しゅし

object, meaning

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 趣旨 (しゅし) refers to the main point, purpose, or gist of something, such as a meeting, document, or speech. It is often used in formal or business contexts to summarize the essential idea or objective.

Common Contexts

You will frequently encounter 趣旨 when discussing the purpose of meetings, proposals, or written materials. It helps clarify what the core message or goal is.

Typical Collocations

  • 趣旨を説明する: to explain the main point
  • 趣旨に沿う: to align with the purpose
  • 趣旨を理解する: to understand the gist

These phrases are useful for showing comprehension or alignment with the main idea.

Register and Nuance

趣旨 is a formal noun and is rarely used in casual conversation. It conveys a sense of summarizing or focusing on the essential meaning rather than details.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 趣旨 with 目的 (もくてき), which means "purpose" or "goal." 趣旨 emphasizes the main idea or gist, while 目的 is more about the intended outcome or aim. Use 趣旨 when referring to the core content or summary, and 目的 when referring to the goal or objective.

Example Sentences

このかいぎのしゅしをもういちどせつめいしてください。

Please explain the main point of this meeting once again.

しゅしにそったていあんをかんがえましょう。

Let's think of proposals that align with the main purpose.

しゅしをりかいしてからこうどうすることがたいせつです。

It is important to act after understanding the main point.