Translation guide
The English word "grade" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese, including school years, scores/marks, quality ranks, and slopes. The best Japanese word depends on which meaning you intend.
Referring to a year of schooling (e.g., 1st grade, 5th grade).
The standard word for a school year or grade level. Used with numbers: 1年生 (first grader), 2年生 (second grader), etc.
I'm in 5th grade.
Suffix meaning 'grader' or 'year student'. Attach to a number to say what grade someone is in.
Where is the first-grade classroom?
A numerical or letter score received for academic work.
A classification of quality, such as for products, food, or materials.
The steepness of a road, hill, or surface.
The technical term for slope or gradient, used in engineering, road signs, and everyday descriptions of steepness.
The action of grading papers, exams, or performance.
To mark or score a test. The most common verb for grading exams or assignments.
成績 (seiseki) refers to overall academic results or a report card grade, while 点数 (tensuu) is a specific numerical score on a test. Use 点数 for 'I got 90 on the test' and 成績 for 'My grades are good this year.'
My math score was 90.
He's in 8th grade (second year of junior high).
Refers to grades or academic results overall, not just a single test score. Often used for report cards or final grades.
My grades this semester were good.
I got my report card.
A numerical score or points on a test. Use this for a specific number, like 'I got 80 points'.
My test score was 80 points.
I got a good grade (score).
Evaluation or assessment, often used for letter grades or qualitative feedback. More formal than 点数.
The teacher's grading is strict.
A formal rank or grade for quality standards, like in food (e.g., beef grades) or industrial products.
This beef is the highest grade.
Loanword from English, used in similar contexts to 'grade' for quality levels, especially in technical or commercial settings.
This gasoline is regular grade.
Suffix for rank or class, often used in martial arts, proficiency tests, or product quality (e.g., 1級 = first class).
He holds a 2nd grade (kyu) in karate.
This road has a steep grade.
Incline or slant, often used for slopes in geography or construction. Slightly more formal than 勾配.
A hill with a gentle grade.
The teacher is grading the tests.
To give a grade or evaluation, often for a course or overall performance, not just one test.
I assign grades at the end of the semester.
数学の成績はAだった。
My math grade was an A.
Although グレード (gureedo) is a loanword from English, it is not used for school grades or test scores. Use 成績 or 点数 instead. グレード is mainly for quality ranks of products or technical specifications.