試金石|しきんせきshikinseki[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. noun, mineralogytouchstone (assaying tool)
2. nountouchstone (e.g. of success); test; litmus test
   夢ゆめは我々われわれの性格せいかくの試金石しきんせきである。↗

   Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.

• Related物差しものさしNeutralA yardstick for measuring or judging things, as in 「自分の物差しで測る」; unlike 「試金石」, it names the standard itself, not a decisive test of true worth.
• Related基準きじゅんNeutralAn objective, matter-of-fact standard that serves as the basis for judgment; it carries no nuance of a trial that reveals true value.
• Related規範きはんWrittenA written, formal word for norms or rules of conduct — standards one is expected to follow; it has no sense of a test.
• Related標準ひょうじゅんNeutralA standard or benchmark, also the average level or a target to aim for, as in 「標準語」「標準価格」; no nuance of a trial of worth.
• Related目安めやすNeutralA rough guideline or approximate benchmark, as in 「目安にする」; it suggests a rough estimate, not a decisive test.
• RelatedスタンダードNeutralA loanword meaning standard or classic; also used for famous standards in music, 「スタンダードナンバー」.
• Related規矩きくWrittenA written, archaic word for rules and standards; rare and literary, with no sense of a test of true worth.
• Related判定基準はんていきじゅんWrittenCriteria for judging whether something is good or acceptable; an administrative term with no metaphor of testing true value.

Use 「試金石」 for a crucial test that reveals true strength or value, as in 「今回の選挙は新政権の試金石だ」. For a basis of judgment say 「基準」, for a measuring yardstick 「物差し」, and for a rough guideline 「目安」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 貴金属ききんぞくの破片はへんを擦すって、その跡あとの色いろなどにより、その貴金属ききんぞくの品位ひんいを判定はんていするための黒くろくて硬質こうしつな石いし。
2. 物事ものごとの価値かちや人物じんぶつの力量りきりょうを判定はんていするための材料ざいりょうとなるもの。