1.
balance scale; balance
A weighing device with two pans suspended from a horizontal beam.
天秤で重さを量る。
To weigh something with a balance scale.
両方を天秤にかける。
To weigh both options (figuratively).
理科の実験で天秤を使って薬品の重さを量った。
We used a balance scale in the science experiment to weigh chemicals.
2.
Libra (zodiac sign)
The seventh sign of the zodiac, represented by scales.
私は天秤座です。
I'm a Libra.
天秤座の人はバランス感覚がいいと言われている。
It is said that Libras have a good sense of balance.
彼女は天秤座だから、何でも公平に考えようとする。
She's a Libra, so she tries to think about everything fairly.
天秤 refers to a balance scale with two pans, used both literally and figuratively.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 天秤にかける: to weigh options, compare two things (often with a nuance of playing both sides)
- 天秤座: Libra (zodiac sign, Sept 23 - Oct 23)
- 天秤棒: carrying pole with loads on both ends
FIGURATIVE USE:
The expression 天秤にかける often implies comparing two options in a calculating way, sometimes with a negative nuance of trying to have it both ways.
RELATED:
- 秤: scale, weighing device (general term)
- 体重計: bathroom scale