コンパス

こんぱす
noun
compass (drawing tool)
1. compass (for drawing circles)
A tool with two legs used for drawing circles and arcs.
コンパスで円(えん)を描(か)く。
To draw a circle with a compass.
数学(すうがく)の授業(じゅぎょう)でコンパスを使(つか)う。
To use a compass in math class.
コンパスと定規(じょうぎ)があれば、いろいろな図形(ずけい)が描(か)ける。
With a compass and ruler, you can draw various shapes.
2. compass (for navigation)
A device for determining direction.
コンパスで方角(ほうがく)を確認(かくにん)する。
To check the direction with a compass.
船(ふね)はコンパスを頼(たよ)りに進(すす)む。
The ship navigates by relying on the compass.
山(やま)で道(みち)に迷(まよ)った時(とき)、コンパスが役(やく)に立(た)った。
When I got lost in the mountains, the compass came in handy.

コンパス has two meanings in Japanese: the geometry drawing tool (primary meaning) and the navigation compass.

ALTERNATIVE TERMS:

  • 方位(ほうい)磁石(じしゃく): navigation compass (direction magnet)
  • 羅針盤(らしんばん): compass (nautical, formal)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
コンパス is a common item needed for geometry classes in Japanese schools, along with 定規(じょうぎ) (ruler) and 分度器(ぶんどき) (protractor).

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • コンパスで円(えん)を描(か)く: to draw a circle with a compass
  • コンパスを使(つか)う: to use a compass

Related Words

Related: 分度器(ぶんどき) (protractor)
Related: 定規(じょうぎ) (ruler)
Synonym: 羅針盤(らしんばん) (nautical compass (formal))
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:17 · Revised 2026.4.14 19:22
05500/05595_konpasu