1.
scale, yardstick, standard of measurement
A standard or criterion used to measure or evaluate something. Can refer to both physical measurement tools and abstract standards for judgment.
成功の尺度は人それぞれだ。
The measure of success varies from person to person.
お金だけを幸せの尺度にすべきではない。
Money alone should not be the yardstick for happiness.
自分の尺度で他人を判断してはいけない。
You should not judge others by your own standards.
USAGE:
尺度 is most commonly used figuratively to mean a standard or criterion for evaluation. The literal meaning of a physical measuring tool is less common in modern usage.
ETYMOLOGY:
尺 is a traditional unit of length (about 30.3 cm), and 度 means degree or measure.
COLLOCATIONS:
- 評価の尺度 — standard of evaluation
- 価値の尺度 — measure of value
- 尺度で測る — to measure by a standard
SIMILAR WORDS:
基準 is the most common word for standard or criterion. 物差し is a physical ruler but is also used figuratively. 尺度 is more formal and often used in abstract or academic contexts.