1.
major milestone, round-number threshold
A significant round number used as a benchmark, especially in contexts involving money, statistics, age, or scores. Originally a stock market term for price levels in units of 1,000 yen, now used broadly for any notable numerical milestone.
売り上げが1億円の大台に乗った。
Sales reached the 100 million yen mark.
来年、父は年齢の大台を超える。
Next year, my father will pass a major age milestone.
日経平均が4万円の大台を突破したと報道された。
It was reported that the Nikkei average broke through the 40,000 yen threshold.
USAGE:
Almost always used with 大台に乗る (to reach a milestone) or 大台を超える / 突破する (to break through a milestone). The specific number is usually stated or implied from context. Originally from stock trading terminology.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 大台に乗る: to reach a milestone
- 大台を超える: to exceed a milestone
- 大台を突破する: to break through a milestone
- 大台に届く: to reach a milestone
ORIGIN:
Originally a stock market term referring to price levels in units of 1,000 yen. Now used in everyday language for any significant round-number threshold (100 million yen in sales, age 60, population milestones, etc.).