JLPT · Level 81
45 words
Japanese word
定規
Pronunciation
Romajijōgi
Meaning
- nounruler
Example
定規でまっすぐ線を引きます。jō gi de ma ssu gu sen o hi ki ma su
I draw a straight line with a ruler.
More examples
この定規で線を引きます。ko no jō gi de sen o hi ki ma su
I draw a line with this ruler.
長さを比べるときは、定規を机の端にそろえます。naga sa o kura be ru to ki wa jō gi o tsukue no hashi ni so ro e ma su
When comparing lengths, align the ruler with the edge of the desk.
Core concept
A ruler provides a straight edge and a fixed scale for creating or checking accurate lines and lengths.
Common phrases
定規で測るjō gi de haka ru
measure with a ruler
定規を当てるjō gi o a te ru
place a ruler against ___
定規の端jō gi no hashi
the edge of a ruler
Similar words
物差しmonosashi: A graduated tool used mainly to measure the length of objects.
Definition in Japanese
まっすぐな線を引いたり、物の長さを測ったりする目盛り付きの道具。ma ssu gu na sen o hi i ta ri mono no naga sa o haka tta ri su ru me mo ri tsu ki no dō gu
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 定規 (jōgi) combines 定 (jō, "fixed") with 規 (ki, "standard"), and ki becomes gi through voicing in the compound.
Usage tips
- In English, ruler has both a tool-related meaning and a government-related meaning, while Japanese 定規 (jōgi) has the tool meaning.