節目(ふしめ)

節目(ふしめ) refers to a significant point marking a transition or change, used for events like graduations, milestone birthdays, or fiscal year ends.

Etymology

Originally refers to the joint (節(ふし)) of bamboo, where growth pauses before continuing. Metaphorically extended to important transition points.

Common collocations

• 人生(じんせい)の節目(ふしめ): turning point in life
• 節目(ふしめ)の年(とし): milestone year
• 節目(ふしめ)を迎(むか)える: to reach a milestone
• 節目(ふしめ)節目(ふしめ)で: at each juncture

Usage

Often appears with round-number anniversaries (十周年(じゅっしゅうねん), 百回目(ひゃっかいめ)) or life events (卒業(そつぎょう), 結婚(けっこん)). The tone is reflective and slightly formal.