1.
intermediate point; waypoint; milestone
A point along the way toward a goal or destination, emphasizing that it is not the final objective but a stage in the process.
ここは経過点にすぎない。
This is nothing more than a waypoint.
今回の試験は長い道のりの経過点だ。
This exam is just a milestone on a long journey.
優勝はゴールではなく、次のステージへの経過点だと監督は語った。
The coach said that winning the championship is not the goal, but a waypoint to the next stage.
Composed of 経過 (passage; progress) + 点 (point). Emphasizes that a particular achievement or location is part of a larger process rather than the final destination. Often used in motivational or analytical contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 経過点にすぎない: to be merely a waypoint
- 経過点として: as an intermediate step
- 重要な経過点: an important milestone
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 通過点: passing point — very similar meaning; 通過点 is slightly more common and emphasizes passing through, while 経過点 emphasizes the time or process that has elapsed
- マイルストーン: milestone — a loanword used especially in business and project management
- 中間点: midpoint — specifically refers to the middle of a process or distance, while 経過点 can be at any stage