How to say "score" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • スコアCommon
    nounThe loanword for the score in a game or match — the points tallied during play, as in sports.
    それが今迄いままでのところ一番いちばんいいスコアだ。↗
    It's the best score up to now.
  • 楽譜がくふJLPT N1approx.Common
    nounFor score as written music: the notation of a piece, its sheet music. Choose this when score refers to the music, not to points or marks.
    彼女かのじょは楽譜がくふなしにピアノを弾ひく。↗
    She plays the piano by ear.
  • 得点とくてんJLPT N1approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbPoints made or marks obtained — the score you earn in a game, contest, or exam. It views the score as something gained, whether by a team or a test-taker.
    ハーフタイムでの得点とくてんはどうでしたか。↗
    What was the score at halftime?
  • 点数てんすうJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounMarks, points, or a grade expressed as a number, such as the score on a test. It overlaps with 得点 but leans toward the numerical figure or grade itself.
    彼女かのじょは英語えいごの点数てんすうがよい。↗
    She gets good marks in English.
  • 譜面ふめんCommon
    nounAlso for the music sense: sheet music or a written score, close to 楽譜. It suggests the notation itself — the written music a performer reads from.

得点 and 点数 both cover points or marks earned, in games or on tests; 「スコア」 is the loanword for the score in a game; 楽譜 and 譜面 are for written music.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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