Inklingo

How to Say "points" in Spanish

English → Spanish

puntos

/POON-tohs//ˈpuntos/

nounA1general
Use 'puntos' when referring to a score in a game, a specific location, or a dot.
A simple visual representation of scoring, showing three distinct circular score tokens placed in a designated scoring area, indicating accumulated points in a game.

Examples

Necesitas diez puntos más para ganar el partido.

You need ten more points to win the game.

Todos los puntos importantes están marcados en el mapa.

All the important points are marked on the map.

En matemáticas, una línea está formada por infinitos puntos.

In mathematics, a line is formed by infinite points (dots).

Masculine Plural

Since the singular form 'punto' is masculine, the plural 'puntos' always takes masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'los puntos,' 'unos puntos altos').

grados

/GRAH-dohs//ˈɡɾa.ðos/

nounA1general
Use 'grados' when referring to degrees on a scale, such as temperature or a compass direction.
A tall, simple thermometer showing the measurement level rising high into the red area, indicating heat or a high temperature.

Examples

Hoy la temperatura subió a treinta grados Celsius.

Today the temperature rose to thirty degrees Celsius.

Necesitas girar el tornillo cuarenta y cinco grados.

You need to turn the screw forty-five degrees.

El vino tiene trece grados de alcohol.

The wine has thirteen degrees of alcohol.

Using 'Hacer' for Weather

To talk about how hot or cold it is, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), not 'ser' or 'estar'. You say: 'Hace veinte grados' (It is twenty degrees).

Using 'Es' instead of 'Hace'

Mistake: “Es veinte grados.”

Correction: Hace veinte grados. Remember, 'hacer' is used for general weather conditions.

apunta

ah-POON-tah/aˈpunta/

verbA2general
Use 'apunta' as the third-person singular present indicative of 'apuntar', meaning 'he/she/you (formal) points'.
A simplified illustration showing a human hand with the index finger extended, pointing directionally.

Examples

El niño apunta al pájaro con el dedo.

The boy points at the bird with his finger.

El cazador apunta con cuidado antes de disparar.

The hunter aims carefully before shooting.

¡Apunta bien o no le darás al blanco!

Aim well or you won't hit the target!

Preposition Use

When 'apuntar' means 'to point at' or 'to aim at', it usually uses the preposition 'a' or 'hacia': 'Apunta al objetivo' (He aims at the target).

tantos

TAHN-tohs/ˈtan.tos/

nounB2general
Use 'tantos' specifically for the score in a game, often when there's a clear lead.
A simple cartoon scoreboard showing two sides competing. One side is marked with five large colorful stars, and the opposing side is marked with three large colorful stars, visually representing the score.

Examples

El equipo local lleva tres tantos a cero.

The home team is leading three points to zero.

Faltan cinco minutos y necesitamos más tantos para empatar.

There are five minutes left and we need more points to tie.

Specific Context

When used as a noun, 'tantos' usually means 'points' or 'goals' in a game. It is always masculine and plural in this sense.

Overusing the Noun Form

Mistake: “Tengo muchos tantos para hacer hoy. (Meaning: I have many tasks to do today.)”

Correction: Tengo muchas cosas que hacer hoy. (Use 'tantos' only for scores, not general 'things' or 'tasks'.)

Score vs. Degrees

The most common confusion is between 'puntos' and 'grados'. Remember that 'puntos' is for game scores or general marks, while 'grados' is strictly for measurements like temperature or directions on a compass.

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