How to say "zero" in Japanese

• ゼロJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounCovers the number or amount zero in ordinary speech and writing, including scores and temperatures. The default choice for 'zero' in most situations.
  ゼロという概念がいねんはヒンドゥー文化ぶんかに由来ゆらいしている。↗

  The concept of zero sprang from the Hindu culture.
• 零れいJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounAnother way to write and say the number zero, largely interchangeable in meaning with ゼロ. Choose it for a more formal or written flavour.
• 零点れいてんJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounSpecifically zero points or marks, as on an examination or test: a result of no marks at all. It is not the general word for the numeral zero.
  そのテストではだれも零れい点てんをとらなかった。↗

  Nobody got zero in that test.
• 無むJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounReally means nothing or naught — the absence of everything — rather than the numeral zero. Seldom the word you want for counting or scores; turn to it only for the idea of nothingness.
  無むから有ゆうは生しょうじない。↗

  Nothing comes from nothing.

Use 「ゼロ」 for the number zero in everyday contexts, 零 for the same number in more formal or written style, 零点 for a score of zero on a test, and 無 for nothingness rather than the numeral.

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

• ゼロzero
• 零れいzero
• 零点れいてんzero (points, marks)
• 無むnothing
• 飛んでとんでzero
• とびzero
• 零度れいどzero (on a scale)