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
N2
推定
suitei
presumption, assumption, estimation
N2
測定
sokutei
measurement
N2
断定
dantei
conclusion, decision
N2
定員
teiin
fixed number of regular personnel, capacity (e.g., of boat)
N2
定価
teika
established price
N2
定期券
teikiken
commuter pass, season ticket
N2
定休日
teikyuubi
regular holiday
N2
特定
tokutei
specific, special, particular
N2
不規則
fukisoku
irregularity, unsteadiness
Kanji