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
N3
安定
antei
stability, equilibrium
N3
仮定
katei
assumption, hypothesis, supposition
N3
勘定
kanjou
calculation, bill, account, consideration
N3
決定
kettei
decision, determination
N3
規制
kisei
regulation, restriction, control
N3
定期
teiki
fixed term, regular period, commuter pass
N3
否定
hitei
negation, denial
N3
正規
seiki
regular, legitimate
N4
予定
yotei
plan, schedule, arrangement
Kanji