1.
problem area; issue; point at issue; problematic aspect
A specific aspect or element of something that is problematic or needs to be addressed. Often used in discussions, reports, and analyses to identify what needs fixing.
問題点を指摘する。
To point out the problems.
この計画にはいくつかの問題点がある。
There are several issues with this plan.
委員会は制度の問題点を洗い出して改善案をまとめた。
The committee identified the problems with the system and compiled an improvement plan.
Composed of 問題 (problem) + 点 (point, aspect). More specific than 問題 alone — it refers to particular aspects or elements that are problematic, rather than a problem in general.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 問題点を指摘する (to point out problems)
- 問題点を洗い出す (to identify/uncover problems)
- 問題点を整理する (to organize/sort out the issues)
- 問題点が浮かび上がる (for problems to emerge)
- 問題点を克服する (to overcome the issues)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 問題 — problem; broader and more general
- 課題 — task, challenge; implies something that needs to be worked on
- 欠点 — flaw, defect; refers to inherent shortcomings
USAGE:
問題点 is standard in business, academic, and policy discussions. It is analytical in tone, used when breaking down a situation into its specific problematic elements rather than referring to a problem as a whole.