点
ten[tẽ̞ɴ]
In Japanese, "point" can be translated as several different words depending on the context, but the default form is 点 (ten). Wiktionary also lists 得点 (tokuten) and ポイント (pointo).
Meaning: unit of scoring in a game or competition (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 点 | ten | [tẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 得点 | tokuten | [to̞kɯ̟̊tẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| ポイント | pointo | [po̞ĩnto̞] (narrow) |
The word 点 is used abstractly to mean a point in a conceptual sense, such as a "point of view" or a "boiling point". In formal settings, when discussing the main point or theme of a discussion, the term テーマ (tēma) is used. To emphasize a significant aspect, you can use the phrase 重要な点 (jūyōna ten), which means "important point."
Which one should you use?
While 点 can mean a general point or unit, 得点 specifically refers to the points or score actually earned in a game or competition. In informal contexts, the term ポイント (pointo) can be used to express a key element or essential aspect of a topic.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ten
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese calligraphy, a single 'point' or dot 点 is considered one of the most difficult strokes to master because it requires a specific pressure and release.
- The character 点 is also used to describe 'drops' of liquid, such as water droplets, because a drop is seen as a physical point of liquid.
- In Japanese punctuation, the full stop is called a 句点 (kuten), which literally translates to 'sentence point'.
Examples in context
- やっと妥協点を見出した。Finally, we found a point of compromise.This sentence shows how to use 点 to describe a point of compromise.Tatoeba #193062 by KK_kaku_, translation #30227 by AlanF_US
- この点を強調したいんだ。I want to stress this point.This sentence demonstrates using 点 to emphasize a specific point.Tatoeba #11216574 by bunbuku, translation #253705 by CK
- 水の沸点は、100℃です。The boiling point of water is 100 °C.This sentence shows the use of 点 in a scientific context like a boiling point.Tatoeba #12144421 by small_snow, translation #12450702 by zogwarg
- このプレゼンテーションの ポイント はサステイナビリティです。The point of this presentation is sustainability.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are watching a basketball game on TV.
- 健太 Kenta今の、1点入ったよ。Ima no, itten haitta yo.That was one point.
- 結衣 Yuiすごい、逆転したね！Sugoi, gyakuten shita ne!Amazing, they turned the game around!
- 健太 Kentaあと1点取れば勝ちだよ。Ato itten toreba kachi da yo.If they get one more point, they win.
- 結衣 Yuiドキドキするね。Dokidoki suru ne.It's nerve-wracking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “point” translations and entries 点, 得点, ポイント, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
