先端 — meaning in English: Tip

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Guess the translation for tip

ドリンク

dorinku

ロード

rōdo

物質

busshitsu

先端

sentan

法廷

houtei

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neutral common

Usage

The word 先端 (sentan) is often used in both technological and everyday contexts. For instance, when discussing the tip of a pencil in an art class, a native speaker might refer to it as 先端. Similarly, in a high-tech setting, engineers might describe the cutting edge of technology using the same term.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 先端 is 先頭 (sentō), which means 'the front' or 'forefront.' However, while 先端 often refers to a specific tip or edge, 先頭 conveys a broader sense of leadership or being at the front of a group or movement.

Culture

The term 先端 (sentan) comes from the combination of the characters 先 (sen), meaning 'before' or 'previous,' and 端 (tan), meaning 'edge' or 'end.' Culturally, this word signifies not only physical tips but also metaphorically indicates being at the forefront of innovation or new trends, echoing Japan's reputation for leading in technology and design.

FAQ

Q.What does the Japanese word 先端 mean in English?

The word 先端 (sentan) translates to 'tip' in English, often referring to the point of an object or the forefront of a concept.

Q.How do you use 先端 in a sentence?

You can use 先端 in sentences like '鉛筆の先端が尖っている' (The tip of the pencil is sharp) or 'この技術は先端です' (This technology is cutting-edge).

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 先端?

A common mistake is using 先端 too broadly. It should specifically refer to tips or edges, whereas for broader concepts like 'forefront' or 'leadership,' consider using 先頭 (sentō) instead.

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