Meaning and Usage
"強調" (きょうちょう) means "emphasis" or "stress" and is used to highlight or underline an important point in speech or writing. It is a noun but often appears in the verb form "強調する" (to emphasize).
Common Contexts
You will often see "強調" in formal or semi-formal contexts such as presentations, reports, or discussions where a speaker or writer wants to make a particular point stand out.
Collocations and Patterns
- 強調する: to emphasize something explicitly.
- 安全性の強調: emphasizing safety.
- 意見を強調する: to stress one's opinion.
Usage Tips
When using "強調," the speaker usually wants to draw attention to a fact or opinion that might otherwise be overlooked. It is polite and neutral in tone, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "強調" with "主張" (しゅちょう), which means "assertion" or "claim." "強調" focuses on stressing a point, while "主張" implies a stronger personal stance or argument.