物差し・物差・物指し・物指|ものさしmonosashi[3]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
物差し物差し（ものさし） is the most common written form and the recommended choice for beginners; it is written with kanji and kana.
物差物差 is a less common variant written entirely in kanji; learners should generally choose 物差し instead.
物指し物指し is rarely used; although it combines kanji and kana, learners should choose 物差し instead.
物指物指 is a rarely used form written entirely in kanji; learners should use 物差し when choosing a form.
Definitions
- nounruler; measure; measuring stick
- nounstandard; criterion; yardstick; scale
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym尺度しゃくどWrittenWritten/formal prose for abstract measures of judgment, as in 「評価の尺度」; 「物差し」 is colloquial and also names the physical ruler.
- SynonymスタンダードNeutralNeutral loanword for a standard or a classic model; 「物差し」 instead stresses the yardstick a person measures things by.
- Synonym定規じょうぎNeutralA ruler for drawing lines, straight or triangular; 「物差し」 stresses measuring length and also serves as a metaphor for standards.
- Synonym標準ひょうじゅんNeutralThe generally accepted common level; 「物差し」 stresses the yardstick by which an individual or group judges.
- Synonym基準きじゅんNeutralThe basis for judging or comparing, somewhat formal; 「物差し」 is colloquial and carries a personal yardstick nuance.
- SynonymメジャーNeutralLoanword mostly for a tape measure; 「物差し」 is a straight ruler and also a metaphor for standards.
- SynonymルーラーNeutralLoanword for a straight ruler, rare in daily speech; people usually say 「物差し」 or 「定規」.
- Related規範きはんWrittenWritten/formal prose for norms one should follow in behavior, as in 「社会規範」; 「物差し」 centers on the standard used for measuring.
- Related目安めやすNeutralA rough reference point or guideline, as in 「一日の目安」; 「物差し」 stresses the yardstick for judging good or bad.
- Related試金石しきんせきNeutralMetaphor for a crucial test that reveals ability or worth; 「物差し」 is an everyday measuring stick.
- Related基軸きじくWrittenWritten/formal prose for the central, pivotal standard, as in 「基軸通貨」; 「物差し」 leans colloquial and figurative.
- Related規格きかくNeutralSet standards for product size and quality, as in 「規格品」; 「物差し」 is a ruler and, figuratively, a measuring stick.
- Related準則じゅんそくWrittenWritten/formal prose for rules to be followed; in daily speech say 「基準」.
- Related典範てんぱんWrittenWritten/formal prose for model laws or codes, as in 「皇室典範」; has nothing to do with rulers.
- Related判定基準はんていきじゅんWrittenFormal written term for the criteria used to judge pass/fail; 「物差し」 is more colloquial.
Use 「物差し」 for a physical ruler or, figuratively, a personal yardstick. For drawing lines say 「定規」; for the basis of judgment 「基準」; for abstract measures 「尺度」; for a rough guide 「目安」; for product specs 「規格」. 「メジャー」 is a tape measure; 「標準」 and 「スタンダード」 mean the accepted norm or standard; most of the rest are formal or specialized.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
