定規
jōgi[d͡ʑo̞ːɡʲi]
The Japanese word for ruler is 定規 (jōgi). Wiktionary also lists 物差し (monosashi) and ルーラー (rūrā).
Meaning: measuring or drawing device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 定規 | jōgi | [d͡ʑo̞ːɡʲi] (narrow) |
| 物差し | monosashi | [mo̞no̞sa̠ɕi] (narrow) |
| ルーラー | rūrā |
A ruler refers to a device used for measuring or drawing.
Which one should you use?
定規 is the standard term for a measuring or drawing device. ルーラー is a loanword from English and is used primarily in digital contexts, such as a digital ruler within software interfaces.
How do you pronounce it?
jōgi
Did you know?
- Unlike the English word 'ruler', which can mean a monarch, the Japanese word 定規 can never be used to refer to a king or queen. To refer to a leader, Japanese uses completely different words like 統治者.
- Traditional Japanese carpentry uses a specialized folding ruler called a 曲尺 which has a unique L-shape. This tool is essential for traditional architecture and is distinct from the standard 定規.
- The word 定規 contains the character for 'rule' or 'standard' 規, which is also used in the word for 'regulation' 規則. In Japanese, a physical ruler is literally a 'fixed standard'.
Examples in context
- 定規で線を書いて。Draw a line with a ruler.Tatoeba #11351735 by small_snow, translation #2985703 by sharptoothed
- 新しい定規を買いました。Atarashii jougi o kaimashita.I bought a new ruler.
- その定規はどこにありますか？Sono jougi wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where is that ruler?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta is looking for a tool to draw a straight line in a classroom.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さん、定規を持っていますか？Yui-san, jougi o motte imasu ka?Yui, do you have a ruler?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、これを使ってもいいですよ。Hai, kore o tsukatte mo ii desu yo.Yes, you may use this one.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 結衣 Yuiいいえ、どういたしまして。Iie, dou itashimashite.No problem, you're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ruler” translations and entries 定規, 物差し, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
