1.
branch point, fork, junction
A point where a road, path, or river splits into two or more directions.
分岐点で左へ進む。
Go left at the fork.
道の分岐点に標識がある。
There's a sign at the fork in the road.
高速道路の分岐点で間違えた。
I made a mistake at the highway junction.
2.
turning point, watershed moment
A critical point that determines the direction of future developments.
これは勝敗の分岐点だ。
This is the turning point that will determine victory or defeat.
人生の分岐点となる選択だった。
It was a choice that became a turning point in my life.
歴史の分岐点として記憶される出来事だ。
It's an event remembered as a watershed moment in history.
分岐点 combines 分岐 (branching) and 点 (point). It's commonly used both for physical junctions and figurative turning points.
Common collocations:
- 分岐点に立つ: to stand at a turning point
- 分岐点を迎える: to face a turning point
- 勝敗の分岐点: the turning point of victory or defeat
Related terms:
- 合流点: junction, confluence
- 十字路: crossroads
- 転換点: turning point