物差(ものさ)し

ものさし
noun
ruler; measuring stick
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.
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.

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

COMPONENTS:

  • 物(もの): thing
  • 差(さ)し: from 差(さ)す (to measure)

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

FIGURATIVE USE:

A criterion or yardstick for evaluating things.

  • 自分(じぶん)の物差(ものさ)し: one's own standards
  • 物差(ものさ)しで測(はか)る: to measure by a standard

RELATED WORDS:

  • 定規(じょうぎ): ruler (often for drawing straight lines)
  • 巻(ま)き尺(じゃく): measuring tape

NOTE:
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.

general
Added 2026.1.16 16:42 · Revised 2026.1.29 18:01
05000/05480_monosashi