Translation guide
In baseball, 'batting average' is a statistic measuring a player's hitting performance. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to as 打率 (daritsu). This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in Japanese, including common phrases and contextual usage.
Referring to a player's batting average as a statistic
The standard Japanese term for batting average. Used in all contexts, from casual conversation to official statistics.
His batting average is over .300.
My batting average went up this season.
A common phrase meaning 'has a high batting average'. Used to describe a player's hitting ability.
He is a player with a high batting average.
A common phrase meaning 'has a low batting average'.
I'm struggling with a low batting average this year.
Stating a specific batting average number
Batting averages are traditionally expressed using Japanese decimal units: 割 (wari, .100), 分 (bu, .010), 厘 (rin, .001). For example, .315 is '3割1分5厘'. In modern contexts, the decimal point reading 'てん' is also used.
In casual or modern contexts, the decimal point is read as 'てん'. This is common in spoken Japanese, especially among younger speakers.
A batting average of .315 is amazing.
Using 'batting average' metaphorically to mean success rate
Can be used metaphorically in business or personal contexts to mean 'success rate', but this usage is less common than in English. Often replaced by 成功率 (seikouritsu) or other terms.
While understood, using 打率 outside baseball may sound forced. Consider 成功率 (success rate) or 確率 (probability) instead.
His success rate with proposals is high.
The standard term for 'success rate' in non-baseball contexts. More natural than 打率 for general use.
打率 is specific to baseball. For general 'success rate', use 成功率. Using 打率 outside baseball can be understood but may sound like a forced metaphor.
His batting average is .300. (baseball)
His success rate is 30%. (general)
What's your batting average this season?
He led the league in batting average.
The success rate of this sales method is 80%.