Translation guide
The English word "score" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a number representing points in a game, a mark on a test, the act of cutting lines, and the number twenty. It also includes the musical meaning and the slang for obtaining something.
The number of points, goals, runs, etc. achieved in a game or contest.
The most general and common word for 'score' in sports and games. It refers to the points earned.
試合の得点は3対2だった。
The score of the game was 3 to 2.
A loanword from English, very common in sports contexts. Often used for the numerical record of a game.
現在のスコアはどうなっていますか？
What's the current score?
Refers to points or marks, often used in games, tests, or grading. Slightly broader than 得点.
このゲームの最高点数は100点です。
The highest score in this game is 100 points.
The mark or grade received on a test, exam, or assessment.
The most common word for a test score. It directly refers to the numerical mark.
テストの点数が悪かった。
I got a bad score on the test.
Refers to grades or academic results more broadly, not just a single test score. Often used for report cards.
Can be used for test scores, but less common than 点数 in everyday school contexts. More formal.
To make a cut, scratch, or line on a surface.
Literally 'to put a line'. The most natural way to express scoring a surface lightly.
カッターで紙に線をつけた。
I scored the paper with a cutter.
Means 'to scratch' or 'to damage'. Used when the scoring leaves a visible scratch or mark.
鍵で車に傷をつけられた。
The car was scored with a key.
Specifically means to make a notch or incision. Used in cooking or woodworking.
パンに刻み目を入れて焼く。
Score the bread and bake it.
A group or set of twenty. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
In modern Japanese, simply use the number. The concept of a 'score' as twenty is archaic in English and has no direct equivalent.
りんごを20個買った。
I bought a score of apples.
Japanese uses counters for counting objects. There is no special word for twenty; just use 二十 (にじゅう) or 20 with the appropriate counter.
20人の学生
a score of students
A written form of a musical composition showing all parts.
The standard word for sheet music or a musical score.
彼は楽譜を見ずにピアノを弾いた。
He played the piano without looking at the score.
Also used in musical contexts, especially for film scores or full orchestral scores.
To succeed in getting something desired, often drugs or something valuable.
The most common and natural way to say 'to obtain' or 'to get one's hands on'. Not slang, but covers the meaning.
どうやってそのチケットを手に入れたの？
How did you score those tickets?
A casual loanword from English 'get', used as slang for obtaining something desirable.
限定版をゲットした！
I scored the limited edition!
Slang meaning to skillfully obtain something, often with a nuance of slyness. Can be negative.
In modern English, 'score' meaning twenty is rare and poetic. In Japanese, there is no equivalent word; just use the number 20 (にじゅう). Avoid trying to find a special term.
得点 (とくてん) is the most direct 'score' in sports. 点数 (てんすう) is broader, covering tests and games. スコア is a loanword common in sports and music. For test results, 点数 is best.
テストで高い点数を取った。
I got a high score on the test.
切る前に表面に線をつけてください。
Score the surface before cutting.
今学期の成績は良かった。
My scores this semester were good.
試験の得点が合格ラインに達した。
The exam score reached the passing mark.
He was in charge of the film score.
彼は金をせしめた。
He scored some money.