bǐfēn: 比分 - Score (in a game)

• Keywords: bifen, bǐfēn, 比分, score in Chinese, what is the score in Chinese, how to ask for the score in Chinese, bifen meaning, Chinese for game score, sports score Chinese, basketball score, soccer score.
• Summary: Learn how to say and use “bǐfēn” (比分), the essential Chinese noun for the “score” in a game, match, or competition. This page breaks down how to talk about sports scores in Mandarin, from asking “What's the score?” to discussing a team's lead, with practical examples, cultural context, and key distinctions from similar words like “分数” (test score).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bǐfēn
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: The numerical score of a competition between two or more parties.
• In a Nutshell: “比分 (bǐfēn)” is the word you use when you want to know the score of a basketball game, a soccer match, or even a video game tournament. It specifically refers to the points on the board, like “3-2” or “101-98”. Think of it as the direct answer to “Who's winning and by how much?”

• 比 (bǐ): This character means “to compare” or “to compete”. You can visualize it as two people standing side-by-side, in comparison or competition with one another.
• 分 (fēn): This character means “point,” “mark,” or “to divide.” In this context, it refers to the units of scoring in a game.
• When combined, 比分 (bǐfēn) literally means “competition points.” The characters perfectly capture the idea of comparing the points of two competing sides.

While “比分 (bǐfēn)” doesn't carry deep philosophical weight like some Chinese terms, its importance comes from the massive role of sports and competition in modern Chinese culture. From the national obsession with the Olympics to the huge following of the NBA and European soccer leagues, discussing the 比分 is a daily social activity for millions. A key difference from English is that “score” can be both a noun (“What's the score?”) and a verb (“He scored a goal”). 比分 (bǐfēn) is strictly a noun. You cannot “bǐfēn” a point. The act of scoring points is a different verb, usually 得分 (dé fēn). This distinction is crucial for speaking naturally. So, while an American might say “The score is 2-1, and he just scored again,” a Chinese speaker would say, “The 比分 is 2-1, and he just 得分了.” This highlights a preference in Chinese for more specific and distinct verbs for actions.

比分 (bǐfēn) is a high-frequency word used in any context involving a competition with points.

• Casual Conversation: Friends use it constantly when watching a game together or catching up on results. “昨晚的比赛比分是多少？” (Zuówǎn de bǐsài bǐfēn shì duōshǎo? - What was the score of last night's game?).
• Sports Media: News headlines, articles, and live commentary are filled with this word. You'll see it constantly on sports websites like Sina Sports or Hupu.
• Gaming and Esports: In the massive world of Chinese online gaming, players will often talk about the 比分 of a match in League of Legends or other competitive games.

The term is neutral and its formality depends entirely on the context of the conversation, from a formal news report to a casual text message.

• Example 1:
  • 现在的比分是多少？
  • Pinyin: Xiànzài de bǐfēn shì duōshǎo?
  • English: What's the score now?
  • Analysis: This is the most common and direct way to ask for the score during a game. “是多少 (shì duōshǎo)” literally means “is how many?”.
• Example 2:
  • 最后的比分是三比二，我们队赢了！
  • Pinyin: Zuìhòu de bǐfēn shì sān bǐ èr, wǒmen duì yíng le!
  • English: The final score was 3 to 2, our team won!
  • Analysis: Note the structure for stating a score: [Number] + 比 (bǐ) + [Number]. “三比二 (sān bǐ èr)” means “3 to 2”. The character 比 (bǐ) acts as the separator.
• Example 3:
  • 比分很接近，比赛非常紧张。
  • Pinyin: Bǐfēn hěn jiējìn, bǐsài fēicháng jǐnzhāng.
  • English: The score is very close, the game is really tense.
  • Analysis: “接近 (jiējìn)” means “to be close to” or “approach”. Here it's used to describe a tight score.
• Example 4:
  • 我觉得这个比分有点儿出乎意料。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ juéde zhège bǐfēn yǒudiǎnr chū hū yìliào.
  • English: I think this score is a bit unexpected.
  • Analysis: “出乎意料 (chū hū yìliào)” is a great chengyu (idiom) that means “beyond expectations” or “surprising”.
• Example 5:
  • 上半场结束时，比分是零比零。
  • Pinyin: Shàngbànchǎng jiéshù shí, bǐfēn shì líng bǐ líng.
  • English: At the end of the first half, the score was zero to zero.
  • Analysis: “上半场 (shàngbànchǎng)” means “first half,” and “下半场 (xiàbànchǎng)” means “second half.” This is essential vocabulary for discussing sports.
• Example 6:
  • 尽管比分落后，但球员们没有放弃。
  • Pinyin: Jǐnguǎn bǐfēn luòhòu, dàn qiúyuánmen méiyǒu fàngqì.
  • English: Although they were behind in the score, the players didn't give up.
  • Analysis: “落后 (luòhòu)” means “to fall behind”. You can say “比分落后” to specify that a team is losing. The opposite is “领先 (lǐngxiān)”, to lead.
• Example 7:
  • 他们的目标是在十分钟内扳平比分。
  • Pinyin: Tāmen de mùbiāo shì zài shí fēnzhōng nèi bānpíng bǐfēn.
  • English: Their goal is to tie the score within ten minutes.
  • Analysis: “扳平 (bānpíng)” is a specific verb that means “to equalize” or “to tie” the score. It's often paired with 比分.
• Example 8:
  • 比分差距太大了，追不上了。
  • Pinyin: Bǐfēn chājù tài dà le, zhuī bu shàng le.
  • English: The score difference is too big, there's no catching up.
  • Analysis: “差距 (chājù)” means “gap” or “disparity.” “比分差距” is a common collocation for “point differential”.
• Example 9:
  • 你能帮我查一下昨天那场球赛的比分吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ chá yīxià zuótiān nà chǎng qiúsài de bǐfēn ma?
  • English: Can you help me check the score of that ball game from yesterday?
  • Analysis: “查 (chá)” means “to check” or “to look up,” perfect for when you're looking for results online or in a newspaper.
• Example 10:
  • 这个比分创造了新的历史记录。
  • Pinyin: Zhège bǐfēn chuàngzào le xīn de lìshǐ jìlù.
  • English: This score set a new historical record.
  • Analysis: “创造 (chuàngzào)” means “to create,” and “历史记录 (lìshǐ jìlù)” means “historical record.” This shows how 比分 is used in more formal, record-keeping contexts.

The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 比分 (bǐfēn), 分数 (fēnshù), and 得分 (dé fēn). 1. 比分 (bǐfēn) - Game Score (Team vs. Team): Use this ONLY for competitions, games, and matches. It describes the relationship between the two sides' points (e.g., 3-2, 10-5).

• Example: 比赛的比分是 98-95。 (The game's score is 98-95.)

2. 分数 (fēnshù) - Test Score/Grade (Individual): Use this for academic tests, exams, or any kind of evaluation where you get a grade or mark.

• Example: 我这次考试的分数很高。 (My score on this test is very high.)
• INCORRECT: 比赛的分数是三比二。 (This sounds like the game itself got a grade, which is weird.)

3. 得分 (dé fēn) - To Score Points (Verb): This is the ACTION of scoring. It can also be a noun for the points scored, but it focuses on the points themselves rather than the comparative score.

• Example: 姚明在一场比赛中得分40分。 (Yao Ming scored 40 points in one game.)
• INCORRECT: 姚明比分40分。 (You cannot “比分” points. 比分 is a noun, not a verb.)

Key takeaway: If it's a competition between teams, use 比分 (bǐfēn) for the overall score. If it's a grade on your homework, use 分数 (fēnshù). If you're talking about the act of a player scoring, use 得分 (dé fēn).

• 比赛 (bǐsài) - A competition, match, or game. The event where a 比分 is generated.
• 得分 (dé fēn) - To score points. The action that changes the 比分.
• 分数 (fēnshù) - The “false friend” of 比分. It means score/grade on a test.
• 赢 (yíng) - To win. The goal is to have a better 比分.
• 输 (shū) - To lose. This happens when your 比分 is lower.
• 平局 (píngjú) - A draw or a tie. When the final 比分 is equal.
• 领先 (lǐngxiān) - To be in the lead (in terms of score).
• 落后 (luòhòu) - To fall behind (in terms of score).
• 球队 (qiúduì) - A sports team (literally “ball team”).
• 冠军 (guànjūn) - Champion; first place. The one with the best winning record.