比分

• Pinyin: bǐ fēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 比 = two people side by side, meaning compare; 分 = 八 (divide) + 刀 (knife), meaning score/points

Meaning

Score (in a game or match). The numerical result showing how each side performed.

Used exclusively in sports and competitive contexts to indicate the score of a match. Common with verbs like 领先 (lead), 追平 (equalise), and 落后 (trail). Appears frequently in sports commentary and casual discussion about games.

Examples

1. 比赛结束时，比分是三比二，我们赢了。 When the match ended, the score was three to two — we won.
2. 上半场的比分是一比一，双方打得很激烈。 The first-half score was one to one; both sides played intensely.
3. 你看到今天那场足球赛的比分了吗？ Did you see the score of today's football match?

Usage Guide

Context: sports, competition

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 现在比分是多少？(What's the score now?)
• 比分落后了，但还有机会追上。(The score is behind, but there's still a chance to catch up.)

Don't Say

• 说'考试的比分' (Don't use 比分 for exam scores — that's 分数 or 成绩; 比分 is only for competitive matches)

Origin & History

A compound of 比 (compare, compete) and 分 (score, points). Together they mean the comparative score between competitors.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal