Learning how to express your grade in Japanese is essential for anyone studying in or visiting Japan. Whether you want to discuss your academic progress with your Japanese peers or simply want to know how to communicate your grade, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express your grade in Japanese along with useful tips and examples. Let’s explore!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Your Grade:
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking with teachers, employers, or other authority figures, following the proper etiquette in Japanese is crucial. Here are some formal ways to express your grade:
- Using the “gokaku” Scale: The “gokaku” scale is widely used in Japan, particularly in academic institutions. It categorizes your grade into several levels as follows:
- Seikou (成功) – Excellent/Passing Grade
- Fuseikou (不成功) – Fail
- Ryuugaku (留学) – Study Abroad (in the case of exchange students)
Example: Watashi wa konkyuu no kyuuryuu wo souda shita node, seikou desu. (私は今級の給料を相談したので、成公です。 – I discussed my current salary, so it is a passing grade.)
- Using Numeric Grades: In some formal settings, particularly workplaces, numeric grades on a 100-point scale are used. The scale is as follows:
- 90-100: Joukyuu (上級) – Advanced
- 80-89: Chuukyuu (中級) – Intermediate
- 70-79: Kihon (基本) – Basic
- 0-69: Fuseikou (不成功) – Fail
Example: Eigo no tesuto de hachi-jyuuroku ten wo torimashita. (英語のテストで86点を取りました。 – I scored 86 points on the English test.)
Informal Ways to Say Your Grade:
In casual conversations or when interacting with friends, you can use more relaxed and informal expressions to discuss your grade. Here are a few examples:
- Using the Word “Point”: To express your grade informally, you can simply use the English loanword “point.” In this case, you can mention the specific number of points you scored. Example: Ame-ri-ka de no tesuto de, hachi-jyuuroku pointo wo torimashita. (アメリカでのテストで、86ポイントを取りました。 – I scored 86 points on the test in America.)
- Using “A,” “B,” “C,” etc.: Another informal way to express your grade is by using the letters A, B, C, etc., which are widely used and understood in Japan. Example: Konkyuu kara tanki de, B+ desu. (今級から短期で、B+です。 – Starting from the current level, I got a B+ grade.)
- Using General Terms: Besides numerical or alphabetical expressions, you can use general terms to describe your performance. Here are a couple of examples:
- Jouzu (上手) – Good/Skilled
- Maa maa (まあまあ) – Okay/Fair
- Dame (駄目) – Bad
Example: Kanji no tesuto de, maa maa desu. (漢字のテストで、まあまあです。 – I did okay on the Kanji test.)
Regional Variations:
In Japan, regional variations exist in the way people express their grades. While the differences may not be significant, it’s worth noting a few examples:
- Kansai Dialect: In the Kansai area, instead of using “gokaku” for a passing grade, you might hear “shikaku” (資格) being used more frequently. Example: Watashi wa konkyuu wo shikaku shimashita. (私は今級を資格しました。 – I passed the current level.)
- Hokkaido Dialect: In Hokkaido, they have their own unique way of saying “passing grade” by often using the word “seiei” (成績). Example: Konkyuu no seiei wa doudesuka? (今級の成績はどうですか？ – How’s your grade in the current level?)
Useful Tips:
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when discussing your grade in Japanese:
1. Context Matters: Always consider the context in which you are discussing your grade. Depending on the situation, you may need to adjust your language and level of formality accordingly.
2. Non-Verbal Communication: Non-verbal cues play an important role in Japanese culture. When discussing grades, be mindful of your facial expressions and body language to ensure effective communication and cultural understanding.
3. Humbleness is Appreciated: Japanese culture values modesty. When discussing your grade, it is generally considered polite to downplay your achievements and show humility.
By following these tips and using the appropriate phrases and expressions, you will be able to effectively communicate your grade in various situations while respecting Japanese culture.
Remember, language is a doorway to another culture, so embrace the opportunity to connect with Japanese people through their language!
