Inklingo

How to Say "point" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “point” is “punto” — use 'punto' for a specific location, a topic in a discussion, a score in a game, or a stage of completion..

punto🔊A2

Use 'punto' for a specific location, a topic in a discussion, a score in a game, or a stage of completion.

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idea🔊A2

Use 'idea' when 'point' refers to the purpose or intention behind an action or plan.

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pico🔊A2

Use 'pico' to refer to the sharp end or tip of something, often a physical object like a mountain.

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altura🔊B1

Use 'altura' to signify a stage or moment in time, especially within a process or event.

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mensaje🔊B1

Use 'mensaje' when 'point' refers to the underlying message, moral, or lesson of something like a story or film.

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sentido🔊B1

Use 'sentido' when asking 'what is the point?' or referring to the meaning or purpose in a way that implies it's unclear or lacking.

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cuestiónB1

Use 'cuestión' when 'point' refers to a central issue, topic, or matter of concern.

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chiste🔊B2

Use 'chiste' informally when 'point' refers to the purpose or main idea, often with a hint of skepticism or lack of understanding.

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tanto🔊B2

Use 'tanto' specifically for a point scored in a game or sport.

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English → Spanish

punto

/poon-toh//ˈpun.to/

nounA2general
Use 'punto' for a specific location, a topic in a discussion, a score in a game, or a stage of completion.
A simple green hill landscape with a bright red flag planted exactly at the highest peak, marking a specific location.

Examples

El punto de encuentro es la estación de tren.

The meeting point is the train station.

Desde mi punto de vista, la idea es buena.

From my point of view, the idea is good.

Llegamos al punto más alto de la montaña.

We reached the highest point of the mountain.

Nuestro equipo ganó por cinco puntos.

Our team won by five points.

idea

/ee-DEH-ah//iˈðe.a/

nounA2general
Use 'idea' when 'point' refers to the purpose or intention behind an action or plan.
A clear, winding path made of stepping stones leading directly to a brightly colored destination flag on a hilltop.

Examples

La idea es llegar antes de las ocho.

The plan is to arrive before eight.

Mi idea era viajar por Europa este verano.

My intention was to travel through Europe this summer.

La idea es que todos participen.

The point is for everyone to participate.

Suggesting Plans with 'La idea es que...'

When you use 'La idea es que...' to talk about a plan for someone else, the next verb often changes into a special form (the subjunctive). For example, 'La idea es que tú vengas' (The plan is for you to come).

pico

/PEE-koh//ˈpiko/

nounA2general
Use 'pico' to refer to the sharp end or tip of something, often a physical object like a mountain.
A colorful illustration of a very tall, snow-capped mountain with a distinct, sharp peak dominating the landscape.

Examples

Llegamos al pico de la montaña después de tres horas.

We reached the peak of the mountain after three hours.

El lápiz necesita punta; se le rompió el pico.

The pencil needs sharpening; its tip broke off.

altura

ahl-TOO-rah/alˈtu.ɾa/

nounB1general
Use 'altura' to signify a stage or moment in time, especially within a process or event.
A brightly colored hot air balloon positioned high up in the clear blue sky over a green landscape, demonstrating its level or position.

Examples

A esta altura del partido, ya no podemos ganar.

At this point/stage of the game, we can no longer win.

El coche se detuvo a la altura del semáforo.

The car stopped level with (or opposite) the traffic light.

Positional Use

When you use 'a la altura de' (at the height of), it describes something being directly across from or on the same plane as another object.

mensaje

/men-SA-heh//menˈsa.xe/

nounB1general
Use 'mensaje' when 'point' refers to the underlying message, moral, or lesson of something like a story or film.
A friendly, wise owl perched on a stack of colorful books, looking thoughtfully at a glowing, simple golden star floating above its head, symbolizing a lesson.

Examples

El mensaje de la película es que nunca debes rendirte.

The moral of the movie is that you should never give up.

El director quería transmitir un mensaje de esperanza con su obra.

The director wanted to convey a message of hope with his work.

¿Cuál crees que es el mensaje oculto en la novela?

What do you think is the hidden message in the novel?

sentido

/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/

nounB1general
Use 'sentido' when asking 'what is the point?' or referring to the meaning or purpose in a way that implies it's unclear or lacking.
A simple illustration showing a tangled string or puzzle piece resolving itself into a clear, single line, symbolizing clarity and meaning.

Examples

No entiendo el sentido de tu pregunta.

I don't understand the meaning of your question.

Lo que dices no tiene ningún sentido.

What you're saying makes no sense at all.

Ahora todo tiene sentido.

Now everything makes sense.

'Sentido' vs. 'Significado'

Mistake: “Using 'significado' in the phrase 'no tiene significado'.”

Correction: Always say 'no tiene sentido' to mean 'it doesn't make sense'. While 'significado' also means 'meaning', it's used for the definition of a word, not for logic or reason.

cuestión

nounB1general
Use 'cuestión' when 'point' refers to a central issue, topic, or matter of concern.

Examples

La cuestión de la vivienda es muy grave en esta ciudad.

The issue of housing is very serious in this city.

chiste

/CHEE-stay//ˈt͡ʃiste/

nounB2informal
Use 'chiste' informally when 'point' refers to the purpose or main idea, often with a hint of skepticism or lack of understanding.
A simple illustration featuring several small, plain gray spheres scattered on a surface. A single, large, brightly colored arrow points directly and emphatically at one specific sphere, highlighting it.

Examples

No le veo el chiste a esperar en la fila por dos horas.

I don't see the point in waiting in line for two hours.

¿Cuál es el chiste de la nueva política de la empresa?

What is the trick/point of the company's new policy?

La comida era buena, pero el ambiente no tenía chiste.

The food was good, but the atmosphere was boring/lacked flair.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'chiste' often appears with the verb 'ver' (to see) or 'tener' (to have), usually in the negative or a question, to express a lack of purpose or fun.

tanto

/tan-toh//ˈtanto/

nounB2sports
Use 'tanto' specifically for a point scored in a game or sport.
A single soccer ball suspended in the air right as it crosses the goal line and enters the net.

Examples

El equipo local marcó el primer tanto del partido.

The home team scored the first point of the match.

Por lo tanto, hemos decidido cancelar el evento.

Therefore, we have decided to cancel the event.

Mientras tanto, podemos tomar un café.

Meanwhile, we can have a coffee.

Confusing 'punto' with 'idea' or 'sentido'

Learners often overuse 'punto' when they mean 'idea' (purpose) or 'sentido' (meaning/point of something). Remember that 'idea' is for the plan's intention, 'sentido' often implies a lack of understanding of the purpose, and 'punto' is more for location, topic, or score.

Related Translations

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