Translation and Meaning of: 零点 - reiten

The expression 「零点」 (reiten) is a combination of kanji and hiragana used in the Japanese language. It is formed by two kanji: 「零」 (rei) and 「点」 (ten). The kanji 「零」 means "zero" or "nothing," while 「点」 refers to "point" or "mark." Together, they form the term that means "zero point" or "zero score." This word is often used in academic contexts, referring to an evaluation or test where the lowest possible score was achieved.

Historically, the etymology of 「零」 points to a concept of non-existence or absence, often associated with mathematics and measurements. The kanji is derived from a combination of radicals related to "rain" and "order," an interesting connection that suggests the idea of something that is not present to what is expected, like rain that was supposed to fall but did not, symbolically speaking. The kanji 「点」 is composed of radicals that suggest "fire" and "one," which can be symbolically associated as a small light or a small point of emphasis.

In everyday use, "零点" mainly appears in educational contexts. Children in Japanese schools who receive a "零点" on an exam may hear it mentioned frequently as a sort of alert or motivation to improve their studies. However, the meaning of "零点" is not limited to school grades. In some situations, it can also symbolize a starting point, where something needs to begin from scratch, rethink, and try again with a new approach. In this way, the expression carries a spectrum of meanings that range from a test result to a fresh start, depending on the context in which it is used.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

面談 (Mendan) - Interview, generally more informal or personal.
面接試験 (Mensetsu Shiken) - Interview exam, used in formal selection processes.
面接会話 (Mensetsu Kaiwa) - Interview conversation, referring to the dialogue during the interview.
面接官 (Mensetsukan) - Interviewer, the person who conducts the interview.
面接者 (Mensetsusha) - Interviewee, the person being interviewed.
面接担当者 (Mensetsu Tantōsha) - Person responsible for the interview, which can be either the interviewer or a team member.
面接場所 (Mensetsu Basho) - Location of the interview, where the interview will take place.
面接時間 (Mensetsu Jikan) - Interview time, the scheduled time for the interview.
面接準備 (Mensetsu Junbi) - Preparation for the interview, actions taken before the interview.
面接質問 (Mensetsu Shitsumon) - Interview questions, questions asked during the interview.