物差(ものさ)し

ものさし
noun
ruler; measuring stick
tool
1. ruler; measuring stick
A flat stick marked with units for measuring length.
物差(ものさ)しで長(なが)さを測(はか)る。
To measure the length with a ruler.
30センチの物差(ものさ)しを貸(か)してください。
Please lend me a 30-centimeter ruler.
子供(こども)が物差(ものさ)しで線(せん)を引(ひ)いている。
The child is drawing a line with a ruler.
2. standard; yardstick (figurative)
A criterion or standard for judgment.
自分(じぶん)の物差(ものさ)しで人(ひと)を判断(はんだん)しない。
Don't judge others by your own standards.
成功(せいこう)の物差(ものさ)しは人(ひと)それぞれだ。
The yardstick for success differs from person to person.
お金(かね)だけを物差(ものさ)しにして物事(ものごと)を考(かんが)えるべきではない。
You shouldn't think about things using money as the only yardstick.

物差(ものさ)し has both a literal meaning (ruler) and a figurative meaning (standard for judgment).

Etymology

Literal use

A flat stick marked with units for measuring length, typically used in schools.

Usage

A criterion or yardstick for evaluating things.

物差(ものさ)し emphasizes measuring, while 定規(じょうぎ) emphasizes drawing straight lines. In practice, they often refer to the same tool.

Related words

Related Words

Synonym: 定規(じょうぎ) (ruler (for drawing))
Related: 測(はか)る (to measure)
Related: 巻尺(まきじゃく) (measuring tape)
general
Added 2026.1.16 16:42 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
05000/05480_monosashi