Translation and Meaning of: 物差し - monosashi

The word 「物差し」 (monosashi) is composed of two distinct kanji: 「物」 which means "thing" or "object" and 「差し」 which comes from the verb 「差す」 (sasu), meaning "to measure" or "to point." Together, these kanji give rise to the term that commonly refers to a ruler or measuring instrument.

The physical instrument referred to by the word, the ruler, has been an essential object in various fields such as education, architecture, and engineering. Its basic form, in Japan and many other places, consists of a thin strip of wood, metal, or plastic, marked with units of measurement. Historically, rulers have been used since ancient times as precision tools, contributing significantly to the development of various structures and designs.

Variations and Figurative Use

• Monosashi can be used figuratively to designate a standard or criterion by which something or someone is evaluated. In this sense, a "ruler" applied to methods of performance evaluation or character judgment.
• The variation 「物差し」 also appears in colloquial expressions to indicate that something is being measured or evaluated, suggesting a standard of comparison.

The origin of the figurative use of the term derives from the fundamental properties of the ruler, which is to provide a consistent standard and a reliable reference. Rulers, as measuring instruments, embody precision and constancy, and thus symbolize desirable qualities in contexts of ethical and moral evaluation.

Therefore, 「物差し」 is more than just a simple measuring instrument; it is also a symbol of precision and constant reference in both concrete and figurative contexts. Its rich etymology and varied uses reflect a cultural dimension that goes far beyond its literal meaning.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 定規 (jougi) - ruler, instrument for measuring distances
• 測定器 (sokuteiki) - measuring instrument, used in various measurement contexts
• 尺 (shaku) - traditional unit of measurement, can also refer to a ruler
• スケール (sukēru) - scale, usually referring to instruments or measures that show proportions

物差し

Romaji: monosashi
Kana: ものさし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: ruler; measure

Meaning in English: ruler;measure

Definition: A tool to measure length or distance.

Example Sentences - (物差し) monosashi

See below some example sentences:

この物差しで長さを測ってください。

Kono monosashi de nagasa wo hakatte kudasai

Please measure the length with this ruler.

Measure the length with this ruler.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 物差し - noun meaning "ruler"
• で - particle that indicates the means or tool used to carry out the action
• 長さ - noun meaning "length"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 測って - verb "測る" in the affirmative imperative, which means "to measure"
• ください - verb "くださる" in the affirmative imperative, which means "please"