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.
テストで90点を取った。
I got 90 points on the test.
彼は試合で多くの点を稼いだ。
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).
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.
彼は試験で95点を取った。
He scored 95 points on the exam.
鉛筆の先は鋭い。
The pencil's point is sharp.
指定の地点で会いましょう。
Let's meet at the designated point.
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.
ポイントを商品と交換できます。
You can exchange points for goods.
鉛筆の先が折れた。
The point of the pencil broke.
針の先に気をつけて。
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.
ペン先端のボールがインクを出します。
The ball at the pen point releases ink.
集合地点は駅の前です。
The meeting point is in front of the station.
この地点で折り返します。
We'll turn back at this point.
Loanword used for meeting points, landmarks, or key locations. Casual and common in travel contexts.
待ち合わせポイントはどこ？
Where's the meeting point?
Used for counting places or points in a document, body, etc. Often with numbers. Formal.
書類の数箇所に誤りがあった。
There were errors at several points in the document.
The main point, gist, or essential part. Common in explanations and summaries.
話の要点をまとめてください。
Please summarize the main points of the talk.
彼の意見の要点は何ですか？
What is the point of his opinion?
Loanword used for the key point or takeaway. Very common in business and casual speech.
プレゼンのポイントは明確だった。
The points of the presentation were clear.
何がポイントなのか分からない。
I don't get what the point is.
A point of argument or issue in a debate. Formal and academic.
議論の論点がずれている。
The point of the discussion is off track.
現時点では何も決まっていません。
At this point, nothing has been decided.
その時点で彼はもう帰っていた。
At that point, he had already gone home.
Stage or phase. Used when referring to a point in a process or development.
この段階ではまだ変更可能です。
At this point, changes are still possible.
The decimal point. Used in mathematics and when reading numbers.
3.14は小数点以下2桁です。
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.
円周率は3.14です。
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?
謝っても意味がない。
There's no point in apologizing.
More formal word for significance or point. Used in philosophical or serious discussions.
この研究の意義は何ですか？
What is the point of this research?
Direction or compass point. Used when talking about orientation.
四つの方角は北、南、東、西です。
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.
方位磁石で方位を確認する。
Check the compass points with a magnetic compass.
What's the point of this meeting?