Translation and Meaning of: 得点 - tokuten

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 得点[とくてん]. It is common in contexts involving competitions, games, and evaluations, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in daily life, and some particularities that make it interesting for students and enthusiasts of the language. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations to help you master Japanese naturally.

Meaning and use of 得点

The word 得点[とくてん] is composed of the kanji 得 (to win, to obtain) and 点 (point, mark), forming the literal meaning of "score" or "points obtained." It is frequently used in competitive situations, such as sports, games, and tests, where participants seek to accumulate points to win. For example, in a basketball game, the final score shows the 得点 of each team.

Additionally, 得点 can also appear in academic or professional contexts, such as in tests and evaluations. If someone says "今回のテストで高い得点を取った" (This time, I scored high on the test), they are referring to the performance achieved. This versatility makes the word useful in various situations, from casual conversations to more formal discussions.

Origin and structure of kanjis

The origin of 得点 is directly linked to the combination of the kanjis that form it. The first, 得, comes from the verb 得る (える), which means "to obtain" or "to achieve." The second, 点, represents "point" or "mark," being used in various words related to counting and assessment. This conjunction reflects well the concept of something that has been earned through effort or competition.

It is worth noting that 得点 is not an ancient or rare word – it is present in everyday vocabulary and is widely recognized in Japan. Its writing in kanji is standard, with no significant regional variations, which makes it easier for those starting to study Japanese to learn.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 得点 in your memory is to associate it with practical situations. Think of games or sports you follow – whenever you hear about scores or points, this word. Another tip is to create simple sentences, like "試合の得点が気になる" (I'm curious about the score of the game), to practice its use in everyday life.

Additionally, pay attention to the context in which 得点 appears. Although it is common in competitions, it is not used to describe school grades in the general sense – in this case, like 成績 (せいせき, academic performance) are more appropriate. Understanding these nuances helps to avoid mistakes and sound more natural when speaking Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 得点 (tokuten) - Score/Grade in a game or test.
• スコア (sukoa) - Scoring, usually used in sports or games.
• 点数 (tensū) - Quantity of points, broader, possibly referring to grades in general.
• 評価 (hyōka) - Evaluation, analysis, or appreciation of something.
• 評点 (hyōten) - Score or grade given in an assessment, especially in formal contexts.