Translation guide
The English word "points" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: scoring units, sharp tips, specific locations, key ideas, and more.
To refer to numerical units earned in a game, on a test, or in a rewards program.
The standard counter for points in games, tests, and scores. Use with numbers.
I got 90 points on the test.
He earned many points in the match.
Loanword from English. Common for loyalty points, credit card points, and game points. Often used in compound terms.
To refer to the sharp end of an object.
General word for tip, point, or end of something. Can be used for pencils, needles, fingers, etc.
To refer to a particular spot or position in space.
A specific point or spot on a map, in a journey, or in a process. Common in navigation and formal contexts.
To refer to the main idea, argument, or important part of a discussion.
To refer to a particular moment or stage in a process.
A point in time. Used with time expressions to indicate when something happens or is true.
To refer to the dot separating whole numbers from decimals.
To question the purpose or usefulness of something.
Literally "meaning," but used to ask "What's the point?" or "What's the use?"
To refer to the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).
Direction or compass point. Used when talking about orientation.
While ポイント is versatile, it is not used for the sharp end of a physical object. Use 先 (さき) or 先端 (せんたん) instead.
Use the counter 点 (てん) with numbers: 1点 (いってん), 2点 (にてん), etc. For loyalty points, ポイント is often used without a counter: 100ポイント.
He scored 95 points on the exam.
このカードを使うとポイントが貯まります。
You can earn points by using this card.
You can exchange points for goods.
鉛筆の先が折れた。
The point of the pencil broke.
Be careful with the point of the needle.
More formal or technical term for tip or point. Often used for tools, technology, or in written descriptions.
The ball at the pen point releases ink.
The meeting point is in front of the station.
We'll turn back at this point.
Loanword used for meeting points, landmarks, or key locations. Casual and common in travel contexts.
Where's the meeting point?
Used for counting places or points in a document, body, etc. Often with numbers. Formal.
There were errors at several points in the document.
The main point, gist, or essential part. Common in explanations and summaries.
Please summarize the main points of the talk.
What is the point of his opinion?
Loanword used for the key point or takeaway. Very common in business and casual speech.
The points of the presentation were clear.
I don't get what the point is.
A point of argument or issue in a debate. Formal and academic.
The point of the discussion is off track.
At this point, nothing has been decided.
At that point, he had already gone home.
Stage or phase. Used when referring to a point in a process or development.
At this point, changes are still possible.
The decimal point. Used in mathematics and when reading numbers.
3.14 has two digits after the decimal point.
When reading a number aloud, 点 is used for the decimal point. For example, 3.14 is read as さんてんいちよん.
Pi is 3.14 (three point one four).
こんなことをして何の意味があるの？
What's the point of doing this?
There's no point in apologizing.
More formal word for significance or point. Used in philosophical or serious discussions.
What is the point of this research?
The four points of the compass are north, south, east, and west.
Another word for direction or compass point, often used in technical or navigational contexts.
Check the compass points with a magnetic compass.
The pencil's point is sharp.
Let's meet at the designated point.
What's the point of this meeting?