Translation guide
The English word 'nil' means nothing, zero, or nonexistent. In Japanese, this concept is expressed differently depending on context: scores, sports, technical values, or general absence.
スコアは2対0だった。
The score was 2-nil.
可能性はゼロだ。
Chances are nil.
Expressing a score of zero, no amount, or a null value in technical contexts.
The most common and versatile word for 'zero' in Japanese, used in scores, temperatures, counts, and technical contexts. Borrowed from English.
The score was 2 to nil.
可能性はほぼゼロだ。
The chances are practically nil.
The native Japanese word for 'zero'. More formal or literary than ゼロ. Often used in official contexts, mathematics, or when reading numbers digit by digit.
Means 'nothingness' or 'nonexistence'. Used in philosophical or abstract contexts, not for scores. Can imply 'nil' as a state of being void.
無から有は生じない。
Nothing comes from nil.
Stating that something does not exist or there is none of it.
The standard way to say 'there is no ...' or '... is nil'. Attach to a noun.
証拠がない。
The evidence is nil.
希望はまったくない。
Hope is absolutely nil.
A casual, standalone word meaning 'none' or 'without'. Often used in lists, notes, or informal speech.
Specifically saying 'nil' as a score in games like soccer or rugby.
Used exactly like 'nil' in sports scores. Often said as 'zero' in Japanese broadcasts.
試合は3対0で終わった。
The match ended 3-nil.
Means 'scoreless' or 'no points'. Used in sports reporting to describe a team being held to nil.
The English word 'nil' is not used in Japanese. Always use ゼロ, 零, or a negative form like 〜がない depending on context.
証拠はゼロだ。
The evidence is nil.
ゼロ is more common in everyday speech and modern contexts. 零 is formal and often used in legal, mathematical, or traditional settings. For sports scores, ゼロ is standard.
そのチームは無得点に抑えられた。
The team was held to nil.