1.
drawing a line, ruling
The physical act of drawing a line, such as underlining text or ruling lines on paper.
大事なところに線引きをする。
Underline the important parts.
教科書に赤い線引きをしながら読んだ。
I read the textbook while underlining in red.
定規を使って線引きをすると綺麗に引ける。
If you use a ruler to draw lines, you can draw them neatly.
2.
making a distinction, drawing the line, setting a boundary
Figuratively, establishing a clear boundary or distinction between two things, such as what is acceptable and what is not.
公私の線引きが大切だ。
Drawing the line between public and private matters is important.
どこで線引きをするかが難しい。
It's difficult to decide where to draw the line.
冗談と悪口の線引きは人によって違う。
The line between a joke and an insult differs from person to person.
USAGE:
The figurative sense (making a distinction) is very common in everyday conversation and writing. The pattern AとBの線引き (the distinction between A and B) is standard. Also common is どこで線引きをするか (where to draw the line).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 線引きをする: draw a line; make a distinction
- 線引きが難しい: it's hard to draw the line
- 公私の線引き: distinction between public and private
- 明確な線引き: clear distinction