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.
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.

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)
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:17 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
05500/05595_konpasu