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A1 noun #3,120 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

局面

kyokumen Top 3,120

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 局面 en 30 secondes

Explication 局面 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '局面' (kyokumen) might seem a bit advanced because it's used for complex situations. However, you can think of it very simply as a 'stage' in a game. Imagine you are playing a simple board game like 'Ludo' or 'Snakes and Ladders.' The way the pieces are sitting on the board right now is the 'kyokumen.' In your Japanese studies, you don't need to use this word in every conversation, but you might see it in simple stories about games. Just remember: 'kyoku' is like a game, and 'men' is the face or the board. So, it is the 'face of the game.' When you see this word, think: 'What is happening right now in this part of the story?' It helps you understand that the situation is changing. You can use it like this: 'Kono kyokumen...' (This stage...). It's a great word to recognize when you watch sports or play games with Japanese friends. Even if you don't use it perfectly, knowing that it means 'this specific moment in a changing situation' will help you a lot.

At the A2 level, you are starting to describe situations in more detail. '局面' (kyokumen) is a useful word when you want to talk about progress. For example, if you are working on a project or playing a sport, you can use 'kyokumen' to say 'we are at this stage.' It's a bit more formal than 'ima' (now) or 'koko' (here). You might hear it in news clips or read it in simple business articles. A common phrase for A2 learners to recognize is 'atarashii kyokumen' (a new stage). This is often used when something big changes, like a new rule in a game or a new person joining a team. You can also use it with adjectives like 'muzukashii' (difficult). 'Muzukashii kyokumen' means a difficult phase. By using this word, you show that you understand the situation has different parts and that this current part is unique. It's a step up from just saying 'taihen' (hard) because it points to the specific *moment* that is hard.

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For B1 learners, '局面' (kyokumen) becomes a key vocabulary item for discussing social issues, business, and strategy. You should begin to use it in your own speech to describe turning points. Instead of just saying the situation changed ('joukyou ga kawatta'), you can say 'kyokumen ga kawatta' to imply a more structural or tactical shift. This word is very common in the context of 'breaking a deadlock.' The phrase 'kyokumen o dakai suru' (to break through the situation) is something you will frequently encounter in B1-level reading materials about problem-solving. You should also be aware of the nuances between 'kyokumen' and 'bamen' (scene). While 'bamen' is what you see in front of you, 'kyokumen' is the abstract state of play. In a negotiation, the 'bamen' is the meeting room, but the 'kyokumen' is the balance of power between the two companies. Using this word correctly will make your Japanese sound much more professional and analytical.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the strategic and metaphorical depth of '局面' (kyokumen). You should be able to use it in complex sentences to describe global trends, economic cycles, and political developments. For example, you might discuss how the 'international kyokumen' has shifted due to a new treaty. You should also be comfortable with formal collocations like 'kyokumen o mukaeru' (to reach a stage) and 'kyokumen ni tatsu' (to stand at a stage/juncture). At this level, you can use 'kyokumen' to describe internal psychological states in literature, where a character's life reaches a 'critical kyokumen' (ki-teki na kyokumen). You should also be able to distinguish 'kyokumen' from 'jousei' (general trends) and 'jitai' (state of affairs). 'Kyokumen' specifically highlights the 'layout' and 'timing' of a situation. It's the word of a strategist who is looking for the right moment to act.

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C1 learners should treat '局面' (kyokumen) as a versatile tool for high-level analysis. You will encounter it in academic papers, deep political commentary, and classical literature. At this level, you should understand how the word functions to frame an entire argument. For instance, an author might frame an entire era of history as a single 'kyokumen' in the development of a nation. You should be able to use the word to describe subtle shifts in power dynamics or market sentiment. Phrases like 'kyokumen no tenkan' (a complete turnaround of the situation) or 'kyokumen o sayuu suru' (to influence the state of affairs) should be part of your active vocabulary. You should also be sensitive to the word's origins in Go and Shogi, recognizing when a writer is using 'kyokumen' to create a metaphorical sense of a 'high-level game' being played by powerful actors. Your usage should reflect a sophisticated grasp of how situations are structured and how they evolve over time.

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At the C2 level, '局面' (kyokumen) is a word you use with precision and flair. You understand its historical weight and its ability to condense complex realities into a single strategic concept. You can use it to critique a political move, noting that while the 'bamen' (outward appearance) looks positive, the underlying 'kyokumen' (strategic reality) is actually disadvantageous. You are comfortable using it in highly formal speeches or written manifestos. You can also play with the word's nuances, perhaps using it in a philosophical context to describe the 'human condition' as a series of evolving 'kyokumen.' Your mastery allows you to use the word not just to describe a situation, but to *define* it for your audience. You understand that by calling something a 'kyokumen,' you are inviting your listeners to view it as a solvable, strategic puzzle. This level of mastery means you can navigate the most complex Japanese texts and conversations with the same ease as a native speaker who specializes in strategy or analysis.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

局面 en 30 secondes

Kyokumen refers to a specific stage or phase in a changing situation.
It originates from board games like Shogi and Go, describing the board state.
Commonly used in business, politics, and sports to signal a turning point.
It is a formal word that implies strategic analysis and situational awareness.

The Japanese word 局面 (kyokumen) is a sophisticated noun that translates to a 'stage,' 'phase,' or 'state of affairs' within a dynamic, changing situation. While beginners might first encounter simple words for 'place' or 'time,' kyokumen allows a speaker to describe the specific layout of a situation, much like the arrangement of pieces on a chessboard. Its roots are deeply tied to traditional games like Go and Shogi, where the 'kyoku' (局) refers to the game board or the match itself, and 'men' (面) refers to the surface or aspect. Therefore, when you use kyokumen, you are metaphorically looking down at a 'game board' of life, business, or politics and describing the current arrangement of forces.

Strategic Context: In high-stakes environments, a 局面 represents a critical juncture where the next move could determine victory or defeat. It is not just a static moment, but a snapshot of a moving process.
Emotional Weight: Using this word often implies that the situation is complex. It suggests that there are multiple factors at play, and the observer is analyzing how those factors interact at this specific point in time.

People use kyokumen when they want to sound professional, analytical, or strategic. In a business meeting, saying 'The project has reached a new kyokumen' sounds much more decisive than simply saying 'The project has changed.' It implies that the internal logic of the project's progress has shifted to a new level. In sports commentary, you will hear it constantly to describe how the flow of a match has changed after a goal or a major penalty.

現在は、非常に難しい局面にあります。 (Genzai wa, hijou ni muzukashii kyokumen ni arimasu.)

Translation: Currently, we are in a very difficult stage/situation.

It is important to distinguish kyokumen from words like basho (place) or jotai (condition). While basho is physical and jotai is descriptive of a state, kyokumen is structural. It focuses on the 'stage' of a process. For example, if a negotiation is stalled, that is a 'stalemate kyokumen.' If a new competitor enters the market, the 'market kyokumen' has changed. It is a word for observers and strategists.

新たな局面を迎えることになった。 (Aratana kyokumen o mukaeru koto ni natta.)

Translation: It has come to pass that we are entering a new phase.

In summary, kyokumen is your go-to word for describing 'the state of play.' Whether you are talking about a video game, a romantic relationship's development, or a global pandemic's progression, this word captures the essence of a specific, identifiable chapter in a larger story. It is the 'face' of the current 'game' being played.

Using 局面 (kyokumen) correctly requires understanding the verbs it typically pairs with. Because it represents a state or stage, you will often see it combined with verbs of movement, arrival, or transformation. The most common pattern is [Adjective] + 局面 + [Verb].

Entering a Phase: The verb 迎える (mukaeru - to welcome/greet/reach) is the most frequent partner. '新たな局面を迎える' (to reach a new stage) is a set phrase in journalism and business reports.
Breaking Through: The verb 打開する (dakai suru - to break the deadlock) is used when the current kyokumen is stuck or negative. '局面を打開する' means to find a way out of a difficult phase.

交渉は最終的な局面に入った。 (Koushou wa saishuuteki na kyokumen ni haitta.)

Translation: The negotiations have entered the final stage.

You can also describe the quality of the kyokumen using adjectives. Common descriptors include juudai na (serious/important), konnan na (difficult), yuuri na (advantageous), or furi na (disadvantageous). If you are playing a game of chess and you are winning, you are in a yuuri na kyokumen. If the company is about to go bankrupt, it is in a kiki-teki na kyokumen (critical/crisis stage).

この局面でミスは許されない。 (Kono kyokumen de misu wa yurusarenai.)

Translation: At this stage, no mistakes are allowed.

Grammatically, kyokumen acts as a standard noun. It can be the subject of a sentence (kyokumen ga kawaru - the stage changes), the object of a verb (kyokumen o kaeru - to change the stage), or modified by a particle like de to indicate where/when an action happens (kono kyokumen de - at this stage). It is versatile but always maintains its sense of 'tactical positioning.'

政治的な局面が大きく変化した。 (Seijiteki na kyokumen ga ookiku henka shita.)

Translation: The political situation/landscape has changed significantly.

While 局面 (kyokumen) is a word you might see in textbooks, its real-world application is found in specific high-density areas of Japanese life. If you turn on the NHK news or read a business journal like the Nikkei, you will see this word multiple times a day.

The Newsroom: Journalists love this word because it adds weight to their reporting. Instead of saying 'The war is continuing,' they might say 'The war has entered a grave kyokumen.' It helps categorize the timeline of events for the audience.
Boardroom & Strategy: In corporate strategy, CEOs use kyokumen to describe market cycles. 'The semiconductor industry is in a downward kyokumen' explains that the current phase of the market is one of decline, implying a cycle that will eventually change.

You will also hear this word in the world of professional gaming and sports. In a game of Shogi or Go, the commentators will spend hours analyzing a single kyokumen. They use digital boards to show potential moves from that specific 'face' of the game. In baseball or soccer, a 'clutch kyokumen' refers to a high-pressure moment like bases loaded in the 9th inning or a penalty shootout.

試合の重要な局面で、彼はホームランを打った。 (Shiai no juuyou na kyokumen de, kare wa hoomuran o utta.)

Translation: At a critical juncture in the game, he hit a home run.

Even in daily life, among adults, it is used to discuss life stages. A couple might say their relationship has reached a kyokumen where they need to decide about marriage. It implies a 'point of no return' or a 'turning point.' It is rarely used by children, as it requires a certain level of abstract thinking and situational awareness.

世界情勢は新しい局面に突入した。 (Sekai jousei wa atarashii kyokumen ni totsunyuu shita.)

Translation: The world situation has plunged into a new phase.

Because 局面 (kyokumen) is often translated as 'situation' or 'scene,' learners frequently confuse it with other similar-looking or similar-meaning words. The most common error is using kyokumen when you should use basho (place) or ba (occasion).

Kyokumen vs. Bamen (局面 vs 場面): This is the trickiest one. Bamen refers to a specific 'scene' (like in a movie) or a specific 'setting.' Kyokumen refers to the 'strategic state' of things. You see a bamen with your eyes, but you analyze a kyokumen with your mind. You wouldn't say 'this movie scene' is a kyokumen unless the characters are playing a metaphorical game.
Kyokumen vs. Joukyou (局面 vs 状況): Joukyou is the general word for 'situation.' It is very broad. Kyokumen is more specific to a 'phase' in a process. If you are just describing how things are, use joukyou. If you are describing how the 'game' has changed to a new stage, use kyokumen.

Another mistake is using kyokumen for physical surfaces. Even though men (面) means face or surface, kyokumen is almost always abstract. If you want to talk about a curved surface in geometry, you use the word kyokumen (曲面), which is pronounced the same but written with different kanji (曲 meaning 'curve' instead of 局 meaning 'game board'). This is a common pitfall in listening exams!

❌ 公園という局面で遊びました。 (Kouen to iu kyokumen de asobimashita.)
✅ 公園という場所で遊びました。 (Kouen to iu basho de asobimashita.)

Explanation: You cannot use 'kyokumen' for a physical location like a park.

Lastly, remember that kyokumen implies change. It is rarely used for something that is static and never evolves. It is a 'snapshot' of a moving target. If you are describing a permanent state of being, kyokumen is likely the wrong choice.

To truly master 局面 (kyokumen), you should understand where it fits in the family of words that describe 'the way things are.' Here is a comparison with its closest relatives.

状況 (Joukyou) - The General Situation: This is the most common and neutral word. It describes the current state of things without the 'game-board' or 'stage' nuance. Use this for 90% of daily situations.
Example: 今の状況を教えてください (Tell me the current situation).
事態 (Jitai) - The State of Affairs (Often Negative): This word is usually used for serious or negative events. It describes a 'state of affairs' that has developed, often one that needs urgent attention.
Example: 事態は悪化している (The state of affairs is worsening).
段階 (Dankai) - The Step or Grade: This focuses on a linear sequence of steps. If you are following a manual, you are at a certain dankai. Kyokumen is more about the 'total picture' at that step rather than the step itself.

When should you choose kyokumen over these? Choose kyokumen when you want to emphasize the **strategic shift** or the **complex interaction of factors** at a specific point in time. If you feel like you are at a crossroads or a turning point, kyokumen is the most powerful word to use.

戦局 (Senkyoku) - The War Situation

A related word using the same 'kyoku' (局). It refers specifically to the state of a battle.

In formal writing, you might also see jousei (情勢), which refers to the 'tide' or 'trend' of events, particularly in politics. While jousei is like looking at the weather forecast for a country, kyokumen is like looking at the specific position of troops on a map at 2:00 PM.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient Japan, the word 局 was also used to refer to court ladies of high rank (Tsubone), but in the context of 局面, it strictly retains its board-game logic. It's a prime example of game terminology entering professional language.

Guide de prononciation

UK kjokɯmen

US kjoʊkʊmɛn

The stress is relatively flat, typical of Japanese pitch accent, but often has a slight rise on 'kyo' and a fall on 'men' (Heiban pattern).

Rime avec

Sokumen (Side/Aspect) Gamen (Screen) Hyoumen (Surface) Taimen (Meeting) Naimen (Inner side) Chokumen (Confronting) Kaimen (Sea surface) Haimen (Back side)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'kyo' as two syllables (kee-yo). It should be one smooth sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'kyoku'. In natural speech, it's often nearly silent.
Confusing it with 'kyokumen' (curved surface), though the pitch accent is usually the same.
Stressing the 'men' too hard like an English plural noun.
Missing the 'n' sound at the end, which should be a nasal resonance.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

The kanji are N2 level, but the concept is easy once explained.

Écriture 4/5

Requires remembering the 'game board' kanji 局.

Expression orale 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires confidence to use in context.

Écoute 4/5

Can be confused with 'curved surface' (曲面).

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

状況 (Situation) 変化 (Change) 段階 (Stage) 入る (Enter) 迎える (Welcome/Reach)

Apprends ensuite

事態 (State of affairs) 情勢 (Trends) 打開 (Breakthrough) 膠着 (Stalemate) 推移 (Transition)

Avancé

帰趨 (Outcome) 進捗 (Progress) 変容 (Transformation) 洞察 (Insight)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + を迎える (mukaeru)

新しい局面を迎える。

Noun + に入る (hairu)

最終局面に入る。

Noun + を打開する (dakai suru)

局面を打開する。

Noun + での + Noun

この局面でのミス。

Noun + が + 変化する (henka suru)

局面が変化する。

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Exemples par niveau

この局面は、おもしろいですね。

This stage/situation is interesting, isn't it?

Simple noun + particle + adjective + copula.

ゲームの局面を、見てください。

Please look at the state of the game.

Possessive particle 'no' connects game and stage.

今は、いい局面です。

Now is a good stage/phase.

Adjective 'ii' modifies the noun.

つぎの局面へ、行きましょう。

Let's go to the next stage.

Directional particle 'e' used with movement verb.

局面が、変わりました。

The situation/stage has changed.

Subject marker 'ga' with intransitive verb 'kawaru'.

むずかしい局面ですね。

It's a difficult stage, isn't it?

Adjective 'muzukashii' modifying the noun.

この局面で、勝ちたいです。

I want to win at this stage.

Particle 'de' indicates the context/time.

局面を、よく見ます。

I will look at the situation carefully.

Direct object marker 'o' with the verb 'miru'.

新しい局面を迎えました。

We have reached a new stage.

Standard phrase 'mukaeru' for reaching a phase.

仕事が難しい局面に入った。

The work has entered a difficult phase.

Verb 'hairu' (to enter) used for phases.

今の局面では、待つことが大切です。

In the current situation, waiting is important.

Topic marker 'wa' emphasizes the specific stage.

局面を打開するために、話し合おう。

Let's talk to break through this situation.

Purpose form 'tame ni' with the verb 'dakai suru'.

彼は局面をよく理解している。

He understands the situation well.

Adverb 'yoku' modifying 'rikai shite iru'.

どちらが有利な局面ですか？

Which side is in an advantageous position?

Interrogative 'dochira' with adjective 'yuuri na'.

局面が好転することを願っています。

I hope the situation takes a turn for the better.

Verb 'kouten suru' (to improve) as a noun phrase.

次の局面がどうなるか、楽しみだ。

I'm looking forward to seeing what the next stage will be.

Indirect question using 'dou naru ka'.

交渉は、いよいよ最終局面に入った。

The negotiations have finally entered the final stage.

Adverb 'iyo-iyo' (finally/at last) adds emphasis.

この局面で、彼は大胆な決断を下した。

At this juncture, he made a bold decision.

Formal verb 'ketsudan o kudasu' (to make a decision).

不況により、経営は厳しい局面を迎えている。

Due to the recession, management is facing a tough phase.

Particle 'ni yori' indicating cause/reason.

局面を打開する鍵は、技術革新にある。

The key to breaking the deadlock lies in technological innovation.

Metaphorical use of 'kagi' (key).

政治的な局面が、一晩で一変した。

The political landscape changed completely overnight.

Verb 'ippen suru' (to change completely).

我々は、かつてない局面を生きている。

We are living through an unprecedented phase.

Adjective 'katsute nai' (never before/unprecedented).

局面の変化に、迅速に対応する必要がある。

It is necessary to respond quickly to changes in the situation.

Noun + 'ni' + 'taiou suru' (respond to).

局面を見極めることが、リーダーの役割だ。

Discerning the state of affairs is the role of a leader.

Verb 'mikiwameru' (to discern/judge/see through).

世界経済は、重大な局面を迎えつつある。

The world economy is reaching a critical stage.

Verb form 'tsutsu aru' (in the process of).

局面を好転させるための、新たな戦略が必要だ。

A new strategy is needed to turn the situation around.

Transitive use of 'kouten saseru' (to make something improve).

この局面を乗り切れば、成功が見えてくる。

If we overcome this phase, success will be in sight.

Conditional 'ba' with verb 'norikiru' (to overcome/get through).

戦局は、一進一退の局面が続いている。

The war situation continues in a seesaw phase.

Idiom 'isshin-ittai' (one step forward, one step back).

局面が複雑化し、解決の糸口が見えない。

The situation has become complicated, and no clue to a solution is visible.

Verb 'fukuzatsuka suru' (to complicate/become complex).

投資家たちは、市場の局面変化に敏感だ。

Investors are sensitive to changes in the market phase.

Adjective 'binkan' (sensitive) with particle 'ni'.

事態は、予断を許さない局面にある。

The situation is at a stage where no predictions can be made.

Set phrase 'yodan o yurusanai' (unpredictable/critical).

局面が暗転し、計画は白紙に戻された。

The situation took a turn for the worse, and the plan was scrapped.

Verb 'anten suru' (to take a turn for the worse).

歴史の転換点とも言える、決定的な局面である。

It is a decisive phase that could be called a turning point in history.

Phrase 'tomo ieru' (can be said to be).

局面を左右する要因は、多岐にわたっている。

The factors influencing the state of affairs are wide-ranging.

Verb 'sayuu suru' (to influence/control).

この一手が、局面全体を支配することになるだろう。

This one move will likely dominate the entire state of play.

Verb 'shihai suru' (to dominate/rule).

局面の膠着を打破すべく、特使が派遣された。

An envoy was dispatched to break the stalemate of the situation.

Formal grammar 'subeku' (in order to).

経済政策の失敗が、最悪の局面を招いた。

The failure of economic policy brought about the worst-case scenario/phase.

Verb 'maneku' (to invite/bring about/cause).

局面の推移を慎重に見守る必要がある。

It is necessary to carefully watch the progression of the situation.

Noun 'suii' (transition/progression).

彼女の助言が、局面を劇的に変えた。

Her advice dramatically changed the state of affairs.

Adverb 'gekiteki ni' (dramatically).

局面が混沌としており、先行きは不透明だ。

The situation is chaotic, and the future is unclear.

Adjective 'konton to shite iru' (to be chaotic).

地政学的な局面の変容は、既存の秩序を揺るがしている。

The transformation of the geopolitical landscape is shaking the existing order.

Noun 'henyou' (transformation/metamorphosis).

その決断が、後に決定的な局面の転換をもたらした。

That decision subsequently brought about a decisive turnaround in the state of play.

Verb 'motarasu' (to bring about/cause).

局面の微細な変化を察知する、類まれなる洞察力。

An exceptional insight that detects minute changes in the situation.

Compound adjective 'taguimare naru' (rare/exceptional).

我々は今、文明の存亡に関わる重大な局面に立たされている。

We are now standing at a grave juncture concerning the survival of civilization.

Passive causative 'tatasarete iru' (to be made to stand).

理論と実践の乖離が、局面の複雑さを助長している。

The divergence between theory and practice is exacerbating the complexity of the situation.

Verb 'jojo suru' (to promote/exacerbate/encourage).

局面の打開を急ぐあまり、本質を見失ってはならない。

In one's haste to break the deadlock, one must not lose sight of the essence.

Grammar 'amari' (too much... that...).

あらゆる局面を想定した、盤石な体制を敷く。

Establish a rock-solid system that anticipates every possible scenario.

Adjective 'banjaku na' (solid/stable/firm).

局面の帰趨は、今や一人の若者の手に委ねられた。

The outcome of the situation is now entrusted to the hands of a single youth.

Noun 'kisuu' (outcome/upshot/trend).

Synonymes

状況情勢段階フェーズ事態

Antonymes

終局安定

Collocations courantes

局面を迎える

局面を打開する

局面が変化する

局面に入った

有利な局面

局面を見極める

局面が好転する

局面を左右する

新しい局面

局面を乗り切る

Phrases Courantes

新たな局面

— A new phase or stage. Used when a situation changes significantly.

事件は新たな局面を迎えた。

最終局面

— The final stage. Used for the end of games, negotiations, or projects.

選挙戦は最終局面にある。

膠着した局面

— A deadlocked situation. Used when progress has stopped.

膠着した局面を打破したい。

重大な局面

— A serious or critical stage. Used for high-stakes moments.

今、重大な局面に立っている。

有利な局面

— An advantageous phase. Used when one side has the upper hand.

今は我々に有利な局面だ。

不利な局面

— A disadvantageous phase. Used when one is in a weak position.

不利な局面から逆転する。

局面の転換

— A turnaround or shift in the situation.

局面の転換が必要だ。

一進一退の局面

— A seesaw situation. Progress and setbacks alternating.

一進一退の局面が続く。

局面判断

— Judging the situation. Assessing the state of affairs.

局面判断を誤る。

決定的局面

— A decisive stage. The moment that determines the final outcome.

決定的局面が訪れた。

Souvent confondu avec

局面 vs 場面 (Bamen)

Bamen is a visual 'scene'; Kyokumen is a strategic 'state'.

局面 vs 曲面 (Kyokumen)

Same pronunciation, but means 'curved surface' in math/geometry.

局面 vs 場所 (Basho)

Basho is a physical place; Kyokumen is an abstract stage.

Expressions idiomatiques

"局面を打開する"

— To find a way out of a difficult or stagnant situation.

彼は新しいアイデアで局面を打開した。

Formal

"局面が暗転する"

— The situation suddenly takes a turn for the worse.

好調だったが、局面が暗転した。

Literary

"局面が好転する"

— The situation suddenly takes a turn for the better.

粘り強く交渉し、局面が好転した。

Formal

"予断を許さない局面"

— A situation so critical or unstable that it's impossible to predict the outcome.

病状は予断を許さない局面にある。

Formal

"局面を左右する"

— To have a major influence on how the situation develops.

この一打が局面を左右するだろう。

Neutral

"局面を一変させる"

— To completely change the state of play or the situation.

新製品の登場が市場の局面を一変させた。

Formal

"局面を乗り切る"

— To successfully manage or survive a difficult phase.

一致団結してこの局面を乗り切ろう。

Neutral

"局面に入り込む"

— To become deeply involved in a specific stage of an affair.

議論が複雑な局面に入り込んだ。

Neutral

"局面に立たされる"

— To be placed in a certain (often difficult) situation.

苦しい局面に立たされている。

Neutral

"局面を見失う"

— To lose track of the overall situation or strategic state.

感情的になり、局面を見失ってはいけない。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

局面 vs 状況 (Joukyou)

Both translate to 'situation'.

Joukyou is broad and general. Kyokumen is specific to a phase in a process or game.

今の状況 (The current state) vs 今の局面 (This stage of the game).

局面 vs 段階 (Dankai)

Both translate to 'stage'.

Dankai is a step in a ladder. Kyokumen is the whole board at that step.

計画の段階 (The planning step) vs 計画の局面 (The planning situation).

局面 vs 事態 (Jitai)

Both describe a state of affairs.

Jitai is usually negative or an emergency. Kyokumen is neutral and strategic.

緊急事態 (Emergency state) vs 重大な局面 (Critical stage).

局面 vs 情勢 (Jousei)

Both describe a situation.

Jousei refers to a general trend or climate. Kyokumen is a specific point in time.

国際情勢 (International trends) vs 交渉の局面 (The stage of negotiation).

局面 vs 場面 (Bamen)

Both translate to 'scene' or 'phase'.

Bamen is what you see. Kyokumen is what you analyze.

映画の場面 (Movie scene) vs 試合の局面 (Match phase).

Structures de phrases

[Adjective] 局面です。

いい局面です。

[Noun] は [Adjective] 局面を迎えた。

交渉は新しい局面を迎えた。

局面を打開するために [Action]。

局面を打開するために話し合う。

局面が [Verb-Step] つつある。

局面が好転しつつある。

この局面で [Action] わけにはいかない。

この局面で諦めるわけにはいかない。

局面の [Noun] を [Verb] する。

局面の推移を見守る。

局面を左右する [Noun]。

局面を左右する重要な決断。

局面の帰趨は [Noun] にかかっている。

局面の帰趨は彼の腕にかかっている。

Famille de mots

Noms

戦局 (Senkyoku) - War situation

結局 (Kekkyoku) - Conclusion/After all

局面判断 (Kyokumen handan) - Situation assessment

Verbes

直面する (Chokumen suru) - To face/confront a problem

局面を迎える (Kyokumen o mukaeru) - To reach a stage

Adjectifs

局所的な (Kyokusho-teki na) - Local/Sectional

Apparenté

全局 (Zenkyoku) - The whole game/situation

中盤 (Chuuban) - Middle stage

終盤 (Shuuban) - Final stage

盤面 (Banmen) - Board surface

局面打開 (Kyokumen dakai) - Breaking a deadlock

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in news, business, and strategy games; medium in casual adult speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'kyokumen' for a physical location. → Use 'basho' or 'tokoro'.
Kyokumen is abstract. You can't stand in a 'kyokumen' unless it's a metaphorical stage in your life.
Confusing 'kyokumen' with 'bamen'. → Use 'bamen' for visual scenes.
If you can see it with a camera, it's a 'bamen.' If you have to think about the strategy, it's a 'kyokumen.'
Overusing it in casual conversation. → Use 'ima' or 'joukyou'.
Saying 'Let's eat lunch at this kyokumen' sounds weird. Just say 'Now' (ima).
Confusing the pronunciation with 'kyokumen' (curved surface). → Rely on context.
In math, it's 'curved surface.' In business/games, it's 'phase.'
Using 'kyokumen' for a static thing. → Use 'jotai'.
Kyokumen implies that things are moving or part of a process. If it never changes, it's not a kyokumen.

Astuces

Pair with 'Aratana'

The most common way to use this word is 'aratana kyokumen' (a new phase). It's a safe and professional phrase to use in any formal setting.

Check the Kanji

If you are reading, make sure you see 局面 (Phase) and not 曲面 (Curved surface). They sound the same but the first kanji is different.

Use for Strategy

When playing games like Chess, Shogi, or even video games like StarCraft, use 'kyokumen' to describe the state of the map. It sounds very natural.

Learn the Antonym

Learn 'shuukyoku' (end of game) along with 'kyokumen' to understand the start-to-finish cycle of a situation.

Objective View

Use 'kyokumen' when you want to look at a situation objectively. It makes you sound like a calm observer rather than someone driven by emotion.

Business Reports

In a report, use 'kyokumen' to describe market trends. 'The market is entering a recovery kyokumen' sounds very professional.

The Board Face

Remember: Kyoku = Game, Men = Face. The 'Face of the Game' is the current situation.

Particle Choice

Use 'de' for 'at this stage' (kono kyokumen de) and 'ga' when the stage itself is changing (kyokumen ga kawaru).

Global News

Pay attention to news about international relations. You will hear 'kyokumen' used to describe the state of treaties and conflicts.

Shogi Roots

Knowing that this word comes from Shogi helps you understand why it's used for 'moves' and 'deadlocks.'

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Game (Kyoku) Surface (Men)'. When you look at the board, you see the current 'Kyokumen'.

Association visuelle

Visualize a chessboard mid-game. The specific layout of the white and black pieces at that exact second is the 'kyokumen'.

Word Web

Shogi Go Strategy Phase Stage Turning Point Deadlock Business

Défi

Try to describe your current career or study path as a 'kyokumen'. Are you in a 'difficult kyokumen' or an 'advantageous kyokumen'?

Origine du mot

The word is composed of two kanji: 局 (kyoku) and 面 (men). 局 originally referred to a small room or a board for games like Go and Shogi. 面 means face, surface, or aspect.

Sens originel : The 'surface of the game board.' It specifically described the arrangement of pieces during a match.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but using it in very casual settings (like with kids) might sound unnaturally stiff or overly intellectual.

Equivalent to 'state of play,' 'phase,' or 'juncture.' English speakers use 'phase' more for time and 'situation' for state, while 'kyokumen' blends both.

Professional Shogi matches (NHK Shogi). Political headlines in the Asahi Shimbun. Strategy discussions in anime like 'Legend of the Galactic Heroes'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Board Games

局面を分析する
有利な局面
不利な局面
局面を戻す

Business

新局面を迎える
局面を打開する
最終局面の交渉
市場の局面変化

Politics

重大な局面
局面が暗転する
政治的局面
局面の転換点

Sports

試合の局面
勝敗を分ける局面
重要な局面でのミス
局面を立て直す

Daily Life (Adults)

人生の局面
難しい局面に立つ
局面が変わる
この局面を乗り切る

Amorces de conversation

"今のプロジェクト、どんな局面にあると思いますか？ (What stage do you think the project is in now?)"

"このゲーム、かなり面白い局面になってきましたね。 (This game has reached a very interesting stage, hasn't it?)"

"今の経済局面で、投資をするのはどう思いますか？ (What do you think about investing in the current economic phase?)"

"人生で一番難しい局面をどうやって乗り切りましたか？ (How did you overcome the most difficult phase of your life?)"

"明日の試合、どの局面が一番重要になるでしょうか？ (In tomorrow's match, which phase will be the most important?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、自分の仕事や勉強で「局面が変わった」と感じた瞬間はありましたか？ (Was there a moment today where you felt the 'stage' of your work or study changed?)

今、あなたが直面している「難しい局面」をどう打開したいですか？ (How do you want to break through the 'difficult stage' you are currently facing?)

過去の決断が、今の人生の局面にどう影響していますか？ (How have past decisions influenced the current stage of your life?)

ニュースで見た「重大な局面」について、自分の意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on a 'critical stage' you saw in the news.)

10年後の自分は、どのような局面を迎えていると想像しますか？ (What kind of stage do you imagine yourself reaching 10 years from now?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'kyokumen' is for abstract stages or game states. Use 'basho' or 'tokoro' for physical places. For example, 'This place is beautiful' is 'Kono basho wa kirei,' not 'kyokumen.'

Yes, but mostly by adults discussing work, news, or games. It's too formal for kids or very casual chats about what to eat for lunch.

'Kyokumen' is very close to 'phase,' but it has a stronger nuance of 'strategy' and 'competition' because of its origins in board games.

Use the phrase '局面を打開する' (kyokumen o dakai suru). This is a very common and useful expression in business.

Not necessarily. It can be 'yuuri na kyokumen' (advantageous stage) or 'furi na kyokumen' (disadvantageous stage). It depends on the adjective you use.

No, 'bamen' is the correct word for a movie scene. 'Kyokumen' would only be used if you were analyzing the strategic situation within the movie's plot.

The best verbs are 'mukaeru' (reach), 'hairu' (enter), 'dakai suru' (break through), and 'kawaru' (change).

In fast, natural speech, the 'u' is often de-voiced, so it sounds like 'kyok-men.' This is common for 'u' sounds between voiceless consonants.

Yes, it typically appears at the N2 level in reading and listening sections.

Not directly. You wouldn't say 'I am in a sad kyokumen.' You would say 'My life has reached a sad kyokumen' (Jinsei ga kanashii kyokumen o mukaeta).

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