瀬戸際(せとぎわ)

せとぎわ
noun
brink, critical moment
abstract
1. brink, critical moment, tipping point
A crucial turning point where the outcome could go either way. Often implies urgency and high stakes.
会社(かいしゃ)は倒産(とうさん)の瀬戸際(せとぎわ)にある。
The company is on the brink of bankruptcy.
合格(ごうかく)か不合格(ふごうかく)かの瀬戸際(せとぎわ)だった。
It was right on the borderline between passing and failing.
交渉(こうしょう)は決裂(けつれつ)の瀬戸際(せとぎわ)に立(た)たされていたが、最後(さいご)の提案(ていあん)で合意(ごうい)に至(いた)った。
The negotiations were on the verge of collapse, but a final proposal led to an agreement.

Etymology

瀬戸(せと) refers to a narrow strait where currents are strong and unpredictable, and 際(ぎわ) means edge or boundary. The word evokes being at the edge of a dangerous strait — a point of no return.

Usage

Often used in the pattern 〜の瀬戸際(せとぎわ) (on the brink of ~). Carries a dramatic tone and is common in news reporting and formal speech. Similar to English "on the brink."

Common collocations

Related Words

Synonym: 土壇場(どたんば) (last moment)
Synonym: 崖(がけ)っぷち (brink, informal)
Compare: 岐路(きろ)に立(た)つ (to stand at a crossroads)
general
Added 2026.2.8 13:50 · Revised 2026.10.10 10:51
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