Translation and Meaning of: 点 - ten
The Japanese word 点[てん] is a versatile term that is present in everyday life in Japan, with meanings ranging from "point" to "grade" or "mark." If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding how this word is used can open doors to more natural communication. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, along with tips to memorize it easily.
The kanji 点 is composed of elements that refer to the idea of marking or a small detail, and its use appears in contexts as diverse as education, sports, and even arts. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations for those who want to truly master Japanese. Let's dive into the details of this word and discover how it fits into the culture and everyday life of the Japanese.
Meaning and uses of the word 点
The term 点 can be translated as "point," but its meaning goes beyond that. In school, for example, students receive 点 as grades on tests. In the sports world, especially in competitions like judo or basketball, it represents the score marked. In more technical contexts, it can indicate a specific detail in a drawing or graph.
Another interesting use is in expressions like 点を打つ (to score a point) or 点が付く (to gain points). These constructions show how the word is rooted in everyday language. It's worth noting that, although it has multiple meanings, the context usually makes it clear which one is being used.
Origin and writing of the kanji 点
The kanji 点 is formed by the radical 灬 (fire) at the bottom, combined with the component 占 (to predict). This structure suggests the idea of something marked or highlighted, like a flame that illuminates a detail. Sources like Kanjipedia confirm that its use dates back to ancient Chinese, where it also represented small marks or signs.
In modern writing, 点 appears in words like 点数 (score) and 点線 (dotted line). The pronunciation てん is the most common, but in some compounds it can vary, such as in 焦点 (しょうてん, focus). For those learning, a tip is to associate the fire radical with the idea of "highlighting" something, which helps to reinforce the meaning.
Trivia and memorization tips
An interesting fact is that 点 is often used in Japanese proverbs. For example, the expression 点を取る (to score points) can be applied metaphorically to situations where someone stands out. Moreover, in manga and anime, it's common to see characters discussing their 点数 (scores) in exams, reinforcing its use in everyday school life.
To memorize this word, an effective strategy is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as "テストで良い点を取った" (I got a good grade on the exam). Associating the kanji with real-life situations, such as game scores or exam corrections, also makes it easier to retain. The important thing is to practice in varied contexts to absorb all its meanings.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 点 (ten) - Score
- 点数 (ten-sū) - Punctuation
- 位置 (ichi) - Position
- 点滅 (tenmetsu) - Blinking
- 点火 (tenka) - Ignition
- 点検 (tenken) - Inspection
- 点字 (tenji) - Braille writing
- 点描 (tenpyō) - Dotted drawing
- 点灯 (tentō) - lighting
- 点在 (tenzai) - Point located
- 点群 (tengun) - Point group
- 点滴 (tenteki) - Dripping
Related words
Romaji: ten
Kana: てん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: spot;mark;dot;dot
Meaning in English: spot;mark;point;dot
Definition: Point: A symbol that represents the smallest unit or mark of something.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (点) ten
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (点) ten:
Example Sentences - (点) ten
See below some example sentences:
Kono shiken no saiten wa kousei ni okonawaremashita
The correction of this exam was done fairly.
The score of this exam was quite fair.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 試験 - noun meaning "exam" or "test"
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
- 採点 - noun meaning "correction" or "evaluation"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
- に - particle that indicates the way or manner in which something is done
- 行われました - verb in the ive form meaning "was accomplished" or "was done"
Denki wo tsukeru
Turn on the light.
Put electricity.
- 電気 (denki) - electricity
- を (wo) - object particle
- 点ける (tsukeru) - turn on (in the sense of switching on)
Kono tesuto de manten o toritai desu
I want to take the maximum grade on this test.
I want to get a perfect score on this test.
- この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
- テスト - noun "test"
- で - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
- 満点 - noun "highest grade"
- を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 取りたい - verb "to want to catch"
- です - particle that indicates the end of a sentence and gives a tone of formality
Kono shashin no shōten wa nan desu ka?
What is the focus of this photo?
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 写真 - noun meaning "photograph" or "image"
- の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
- 焦点 - noun meaning "focal point" or "focus"
- は - particle indicating the theme or subject of the sentence
- 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
- か - Particle that indicates a question
Kono chiten ni wa utsukushii keshiki ga miemasu
In this place
You can see a beautiful landscape at this time.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
- 地点 - noun that means "point" or "location"
- に - particle that indicates "in" or "at"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "this point"
- 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
- 景色 - noun that means "landscape" or "view"
- が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "the beautiful landscape"
- 見えます - verb that means "can be seen"
Kono tabi no kiten wa koko desu
Here is the starting point of this trip.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
- 旅 - noun that means "trip"
- の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
- 起点 - Noun meaning "starting point"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- ここ - noun that means "here"
- です - Verb "to be" in polite form
Fumei na ten ga arimasu
There are unknown points.
There is an unknown point.
- 不明な - It means "unknown" or "unidentified."
- 点 - It means "point" or "aspect".
- が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
- あります - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".
Kyoutsuu ten wo mitsukerou
Let's find a common point.
Find something in common.
- 共通点 (Kyōtsūten) - means "common point" or "similarity".
- を (wo) - object particle.
- 見つけよう (mitsukeyou) - verb that means "to find" or "to discover".
Genten ni modorou
Let's go back to origin.
- 原点 - It means "point of origin" or "zero point."
- に - It is a Japanese particle that indicates the location where something happens.
- 戻ろう - It is a verb that means "to return" or "to come back". The suffix "う" indicates that it is in the imperative form, in other words, a request or suggestion.
Mōten o minogasu na
Do not lose sight of the blind point.
Don't miss the blind point.
- 盲点 - means "blind spot" in Japanese. It's an expression used to warn about something that can be ignored or missed.
- を - is an object particle in Japanese. It indicates that "盲点" is the object of the sentence.
- 見逃す - means "to ignore" or "not to notice" in Japanese. It's the verb in the sentence.
- な - is a particle that indicates an order or request in Japanese. In this case, it is used to emphasize the warning of the sentence.
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
