Word
定規
Meaning in English(measuring) ruler
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
定規 means a ruler or straightedge used to draw straight lines and measure length. It is a handheld measuring instrument common in classrooms, workshops, and design studios, typically marked with centimeters and millimeters.
Main meanings
- Measuring instrument: a flat ruler-like tool marked with metric units used to draw lines or measure distances
- Figurative use: a standard or criterion by which something is judged or evaluated
How to use it
Used in formal and technical contexts such as mathematics, engineering, drafting, and design; in everyday speech, it's the standard term for the instrument in Japanese classrooms and workshops.
Variants and close terms
- ruler, straightedge — jougi
Composition
- 定: fixed or set;
- 規: standard or rule;
Etymology
定 (じょう, jō) + 規 (き, ki) combine in on-yomi to form ジョウギ (jougi). The pronunciation reflects Sino-Japanese phonology and the meaning centers on a fixed standard used for measurement.
Word class
noun (名詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N1
規定
kitei
regulation, provisions
N1
限定
gentei
limit, restriction
N1
国定
kokutei
state-sponsored, national
N1
固定
kotei
fixation, fixing (e.g., salary, capital)
N1
定まる
sadamaru
to become settled, to be fixed
N1
定める
sadameru
to decide, to determine
N1
改定
kaitei
reform
N1
確定
kakutei
fixed, decision
N1
規格
kikaku
standard, norm
Kanji