ポイント

ぽいんと
noun
point; reward points
abstractshopping
1. key point, important aspect
The essential or important part of something. Used when highlighting what matters most.
ポイントを押(お)さえる。
To grasp the key point.
The key to success lies in preparation.
The key point of the explanation was off, and it didn't get through to the listeners.
2. reward points, loyalty points
Points accumulated through purchases at stores or services, redeemable for discounts or rewards. A major part of Japanese consumer culture.
ポイントカードはお持(も)ちですか。
Do you have a points card?
買(か)い物(もの)でポイントが貯(た)まった。
I accumulated points from shopping.
I used my accumulated points and got a discount.

Usage

Sense 1 is extremely common in presentations, explanations, and advice-giving. ポイントを押(お)さえる (to grasp the key points) is a high-frequency expression.

Sense 2 reflects Japan's extensive loyalty point culture. Almost every store and service offers a point system (楽天(らくてん)ポイント, dポイント, Vポイント, etc.).

Common collocations