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
規範
kihan
model, standard, example
N1
規模
kibo
scale, scope, plan, structure
N1
規約
kiyaku
agreement, rules, code
N1
協定
kyoutei
arrangement, pact, agreement
N1
案の定
annojou
sure enough, as usual
N1
所定
shotei
fixed, prescribed
N1
制定
seitei
enactment, establishment, creation
N1
設定
settei
establishment, creation
N1
定義
teigi
definition
Kanji