1.
limit point — the point at which something reaches its limit or threshold, beyond which it can no longer continue or function normally
The point at which something reaches its maximum capacity or tolerance, and beyond which it breaks, fails, or undergoes a qualitative change. Used for physical limits (of materials, endurance, patience) as well as abstract limits (of growth, tolerance, performance).
Compound of 限界 ('limit, boundary') and 点 ('point'). Literally 'the point of the limit'.
Usage
- Marks the specific point at which a limit is reached, rather than the limit itself as an abstract boundary. Where 限界 describes a boundary or range, 限界点 describes the pinpoint threshold where it is met.
- Used for both physical phenomena (material strength, machine tolerance, stamina) and psychological states (patience, tolerance, mental endurance).
- Typical verbs are 達する ('to reach'), 超える ('to exceed'), and 近づく ('to approach').
Common collocations
- 限界点に達する: to reach the limit point
- 限界点を超える: to exceed the limit
- 限界点に近づく: to approach the limit
- 我慢の限界点: the limit of one's patience
- 体力の限界点: the limit of one's physical strength
Similar words
- 限界: limit, boundary — more common in everyday use, focuses on the boundary itself rather than a specific point.
- 限度: limit, extent — emphasizes the allowable extent or degree, often in rules and agreements.
- 閾値: threshold value — a technical term used in science and engineering.
- 臨界点: critical point — used in physics and chemistry (e.g., critical point of a phase transition, or a critical mass in nuclear physics); also used metaphorically.
Register
Slightly formal. Appears often in news, science and engineering writing, sports commentary, and descriptions of physical or psychological limits.
Related Words
Compare:
限度 (limit, extent)