体温計(たいおんけい)

体温計(たいおんけい) is a compound of 体温(たいおん) (body temperature) + 計(けい) (meter/gauge). Used specifically for measuring body temperature, not room or outdoor temperature.

Types

• 水銀(すいぎん)体温計(たいおんけい): mercury thermometer (traditional, being phased out)
• 電子(でんし)体温計(たいおんけい): digital thermometer (most common today)
• 非接触(ひせっしょく)体温計(たいおんけい): contactless/infrared thermometer

Common patterns

• 体温計(たいおんけい)で測(はか)る: to measure with a thermometer
• 体温計(たいおんけい)を脇(わき)に挟(はさ)む: to place the thermometer under the arm

Usage

Normal body temperature in Japan is typically cited as 36-37°C. A reading of 37.5°C or above is generally considered a fever (発熱(はつねつ)).

RELATED WORDS (〜計(けい)):

• 温度計(おんどけい): thermometer (for room/outdoor temperature)
• 血圧計(けつあつけい): blood pressure monitor