重量
重量 in 30 Sekunden
- Means 'weight' for objects, not people.
- Used in formal, official, or technical settings.
- Common at post offices and airports.
- Distinct from subjective heaviness (重さ).
The Japanese word 重量 (じゅうりょう, jūryō) refers specifically to the objective, measurable weight of an object, usually expressed in standard units such as kilograms, grams, or tons. Unlike the more common and casual word 重さ (omosa), which can be used subjectively to describe how heavy something feels, 重量 is strictly objective and is predominantly used in formal, technical, industrial, commercial, and legal contexts. Understanding this distinction is crucial for learners, as using the wrong term can make your Japanese sound unnatural. When you go to the post office to mail a package, the clerk will measure its 重量. When a truck is weighed at a weigh station, they are checking its 重量. In contrast, if you are complaining about a heavy backpack, you would use 重さ. Let us explore the various dimensions of this word through detailed examples and structured breakdowns.
- Objective Measurement
- Refers to the exact physical mass of an item, determined by a scale or balance, leaving no room for subjective interpretation.
- Industrial Application
- Used in shipping, logistics, manufacturing, and engineering to denote load-bearing capacities and cargo mass.
- Legal and Official Contexts
- Appears in regulations, such as vehicle weight limits (重量制限) or postal fee brackets based on weight.
荷物の重量を量ってください。
It is also important to distinguish 重量 from 体重 (taijū). While both translate to 'weight' in English, 体重 is exclusively used for the body weight of living humans and animals. You would never ask for a person's 重量, as this would imply treating them as inanimate cargo or industrial material. This strict categorization of vocabulary based on animacy and context is a hallmark of the Japanese language.
- Compound Words
- Often forms compound nouns like 重量オーバー (overweight) and 総重量 (total weight).
- Sports Context
- Used in sports like weightlifting (重量挙げ) to denote the heavy objects being lifted.
この橋は重量制限があります。
The kanji breakdown also helps in understanding the word. 重 means 'heavy' or 'weight', and 量 means 'quantity' or 'measurement'. Together, they literally mean 'the measurement of heaviness'. This etymological transparency makes it relatively easy for learners to guess its meaning once they know the constituent kanji.
- Synonym Comparison
- Compared to 目方 (mekata), which is an older term for weight, 重量 is the modern, standard term used in all official capacities.
トラックの総重量を計算する。
重量挙げの選手は力強い。
最大重量を超えないでください。
In summary, mastering the word 重量 involves understanding its objective nature, its restriction to inanimate objects, and its prevalence in formal and technical contexts. By paying attention to these nuances, learners can significantly improve their accuracy and fluency in Japanese.
Using 重量 correctly requires an understanding of its typical grammatical environments and collocations. As a noun, it functions like any other standard Japanese noun, taking particles such as が (ga), を (wo), に (ni), and で (de). However, because it denotes a measurable quantity, it is most frequently paired with verbs related to measuring, exceeding, limiting, or calculating. For instance, the most common verb used with 重量 is 測る or 量る (hakaru), meaning 'to measure'. When you want to say 'measure the weight', you say 重量を量る. Another extremely common pairing is with the verb 超える (koeru), meaning 'to exceed'. In the context of luggage at an airport, you might hear 重量を超える (to exceed the weight limit). This is a critical phrase for travelers to know.
- Verbs of Measurement
- 量る (hakaru - to measure), 計算する (keisan suru - to calculate), 確認する (kakunin suru - to confirm).
- Verbs of Limitation
- 制限する (seigen suru - to limit), 超える (koeru - to exceed), 減らす (herasu - to reduce).
- Adjectives of Quantity
- 重い (omoi - heavy), 軽い (karui - light), 大きい (ookii - large/great), 小さい (chiisai - small).
手荷物の重量を量らせていただきます。
Furthermore, 重量 is highly productive in forming compound nouns. It acts as a prefix or suffix to create highly specific technical terms. For example, adding 制限 (seigen - limit) creates 重量制限 (weight limit). Adding オーバー (ōbā - over) creates 重量オーバー (overweight). Adding 総 (sō - total) creates 総重量 (total weight). These compound words are ubiquitous in daily life, especially in transportation, logistics, and retail. When shopping online, you will often see the 重量 listed in the product specifications. When riding an elevator, you will see a plaque stating the maximum capacity, often written as 積載重量 (sekisai jūryō - load capacity).
- Prefixes
- 総 (sō - total) -> 総重量, 純 (jun - net) -> 純重量.
- Suffixes
- 制限 (seigen - limit) -> 重量制限, 計 (kei - meter/scale) -> 重量計.
このエレベーターの積載重量は1000キロです。
荷物が重量オーバーで追加料金を取られた。
In formal writing, such as business emails or technical reports, 重量 is preferred over 重さ to maintain a professional tone. For example, instead of writing 箱の重さは5キロです (The box's weight is 5kg), a business professional would write 箱の重量は5キロです. This slight shift in vocabulary elevates the register of the sentence, making it sound more objective and precise. It is also common to see 重量 followed by the specific unit of measurement, such as 重量:5kg, in tables and lists.
- Formal Register
- Used in contracts, specifications, and official documents to ensure clarity and legal precision.
製品の寸法と重量を仕様書に記載する。
車両の重量税を納付する必要があります。
By familiarizing yourself with these common verbs, compound structures, and registers, you can confidently integrate 重量 into your Japanese vocabulary and use it appropriately across various contexts.
The word 重量 is ubiquitous in modern Japanese society, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from daily errands to specialized industrial environments. One of the most common places a language learner will encounter this word is at the post office (郵便局) or when using delivery services (宅配便). When you bring a package to the counter, the staff will place it on a scale and often announce or confirm the 重量 to determine the shipping cost. You will also see the word printed on shipping labels, receipts, and pricing charts. In this context, it is a purely transactional and administrative term, essential for the logistics of sending and receiving goods.
- Post Offices and Delivery
- Used to determine postage rates based on the exact mass of parcels and letters.
- Airports and Travel
- Crucial for checking baggage allowances and calculating potential overweight fees.
- Supermarkets and Retail
- Appears on product packaging to indicate net weight or contents.
郵便局で小包の重量を量ってもらった。
Another frequent location is the airport. Airline check-in counters are strict about baggage allowances, and the term 重量制限 (weight limit) is prominently displayed on signs, tickets, and airline websites. If your suitcase is too heavy, the staff will inform you that it is 重量オーバー (overweight). This is a high-stress situation where knowing the vocabulary can help you navigate the problem more smoothly. Similarly, in the realm of public transportation and infrastructure, you will see signs on bridges, roads, and elevators indicating 重量制限 to ensure safety and prevent structural damage.
- Infrastructure
- Road signs, bridge limits, and elevator capacities.
- Manufacturing
- Factory settings where materials are weighed for production processes.
この道路は大型車の重量制限があります。
エレベーターの重量オーバーを知らせるブザーが鳴った。
In the commercial sector, 重量 is printed on almost every packaged product you buy at the supermarket. Whether it is a bag of rice, a box of cookies, or a bottle of shampoo, the label will specify the 内容重量 (net weight) or simply 重量. This is mandated by consumer protection laws to ensure transparency. Furthermore, in industrial and manufacturing settings, 重量 is a critical metric. Engineers calculate the 重量 of materials, factory workers monitor the 重量 of products on assembly lines, and logistics companies track the 総重量 (total weight) of their freight.
- Sports
- Weightlifting (重量挙げ) and combat sports with weight classes.
商品の内容重量を確認してから購入する。
工場で部品の重量を厳密に管理している。
Finally, you will hear 重量 in the context of sports, particularly weightlifting, which is called 重量挙げ (jūryōage) in Japanese. It is also used in combat sports like boxing or judo when discussing weight classes, though 階級 (kaikyū) is also common. In all these diverse environments, the core meaning of 重量 remains consistent: an objective, measurable mass.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word 重量 is confusing it with 体重 (taijū) or 重さ (omosa). Because English uses the single word 'weight' for almost all contexts, English speakers often default to a single Japanese word without considering the nuances. The most glaring error is using 重量 to ask about or state a person's body weight. For example, saying 私の重量は60キロです (My weight is 60kg) sounds incredibly robotic and unnatural, as if you are referring to yourself as a piece of industrial cargo. The correct word for human or animal body weight is always 体重. 重量 must be strictly reserved for inanimate objects, materials, and official measurements.
- Mistake: Using for Body Weight
- Incorrect: 彼の重量は重い。 Correct: 彼の体重は重い。
- Mistake: Using for Subjective Feeling
- Incorrect: このカバンの重量を感じる。 Correct: このカバンの重さを感じる。
- Mistake: Wrong Verb Pairing
- Incorrect: 重量を見る。 Correct: 重量を量る。
❌ 犬の重量を測る。
⭕ 犬の体重を測る。
Another common pitfall is using 重量 when describing the subjective feeling of heaviness. If you are carrying a heavy box and want to express how heavy it feels to you, using 重量 is too clinical. You should use 重さ (omosa) instead. For example, その箱の重さに驚いた (I was surprised by the weight of the box) is natural, whereas その箱の重量に驚いた sounds like you were surprised by the specific numerical value on a scale, rather than the physical sensation of lifting it. 重量 lacks the emotional or sensory connotation that 重さ carries.
- Pronunciation Error
- Mispronouncing the long vowels. It is jūryō, not juryo.
- Kanji Confusion
- Confusing 量 (quantity) with 重 (heavy) when writing.
❌ 荷物の重量が重い。
⭕ 荷物が重い。 / 荷物の重量が大きい。
❌ 自分の重量を気にする。
⭕ 自分の体重を気にする。
Additionally, learners sometimes pair 重量 with the wrong adjectives. In Japanese, when talking about the numerical value of 重量, it is often more natural to say the weight is 'large' (大きい) or 'small' (小さい), or simply state the number, rather than saying the weight itself is 'heavy' (重い). While 重量が重い is sometimes used colloquially, it is technically redundant (the heaviness is heavy). It is better to say 荷物が重い (the luggage is heavy) or 重量が50キロある (the weight is 50kg). Finally, pronunciation mistakes involving the long vowels are common. It is crucial to elongate both the 'u' and the 'o' sounds: jū-ryō. Shortening them to ju-ryo can lead to confusion or make your speech sound less fluent.
- Contextual Mismatch
- Using formal 重量 in casual conversation among friends.
❌ 友達の重量を聞く。
⭕ 友達の体重を聞く。
❌ 愛の重量。
⭕ 愛の重さ。
By avoiding these common mistakes—specifically the confusion with 体重 and 重さ, and the redundant use of adjectives—you will demonstrate a much higher level of proficiency and cultural understanding in your Japanese communication.
To fully grasp 重量, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. The Japanese language is rich in vocabulary for describing physical properties, and choosing the right word depends heavily on context, register, and animacy. The most immediate synonym is 重さ (omosa). As discussed previously, 重さ is the general, everyday word for 'weight' or 'heaviness'. It is formed by adding the nominalizing suffix さ (sa) to the adjective 重い (omoi - heavy). While 重量 is objective and formal, 重さ is subjective and casual. You use 重さ when talking about how a heavy coat feels on your shoulders, or metaphorically, the 'weight' of a responsibility (責任の重さ). 重量 cannot be used metaphorically in this way.
- 重さ (omosa)
- General heaviness, subjective feeling, metaphorical weight.
- 体重 (taijū)
- Body weight of humans and animals exclusively.
- 目方 (mekata)
- An older, traditional term for weight, often used in markets.
命の重さ(❌命の重量)
Another critical related word is 体重 (taijū). The kanji 体 means 'body', and 重 means 'weight'. This word is strictly reserved for the body weight of living creatures. A doctor measures your 体重, not your 重量. A veterinarian measures a cat's 体重. This distinction highlights the Japanese language's tendency to categorize the world into animate and inanimate objects. Using the wrong term violates this fundamental categorization. Then there is 目方 (mekata). This is a somewhat old-fashioned term for weight, historically referring to the reading on a traditional scale (the 'direction of the eye' on the scale). You might still hear it in traditional markets or among older generations when weighing vegetables or fish, but 重量 has largely replaced it in modern, official contexts.
- 質量 (shitsuryō)
- Mass (in physics). The amount of matter in an object, independent of gravity.
- 荷重 (kajū)
- Load. The weight or force applied to a structure.
物理学では重量と質量を区別する。
橋にかかる荷重を計算する。
In technical and scientific contexts, you will encounter 質量 (shitsuryō), which translates to 'mass'. While 重量 (weight) changes depending on gravity (e.g., you weigh less on the moon), 質量 (mass) remains constant. This distinction is identical to the one made in English physics classes. Another technical term is 荷重 (kajū), which means 'load' or 'applied weight'. This is used in engineering and architecture to describe the force exerted on a structure, such as the load on a beam or a bridge. While related to 重量, 荷重 focuses on the *force* applied by the weight rather than the measurement of the object itself.
- 分量 (bunryō)
- Quantity or amount, usually for ingredients or liquids, not heavy mass.
料理のレシピで塩の分量を量る。
市場で肉の目方を量って売る。
Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the most precise word for your intended meaning, demonstrating a deep and nuanced command of the Japanese language. 重量 remains the anchor term for objective, inanimate weight measurement.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Noun + を + Verb (重量を量る)
Noun + によって (重量によって料金が変わる)
Noun + 制限 (重量制限)
Noun + オーバー (重量オーバー)
Passive voice (重量が測定される)
Beispiele nach Niveau
荷物の重量を量ります。
I will measure the weight of the luggage.
重量 (noun) + を (object particle) + 量ります (verb, polite form).
重量は何キロですか?
What is the weight in kilos?
重量 (noun) + は (topic particle) + 何キロ (question word) + ですか (copula + question particle).
この箱の重量は10キロです。
The weight of this box is 10 kilos.
箱の重量 (noun modifying noun) + は (topic particle) + 10キロです (number + copula).
重量オーバーです。
It is overweight.
重量 (noun) + オーバー (loanword) + です (copula).
重量を教えてください。
Please tell me the weight.
重量 (noun) + を (object particle) + 教えてください (te-form verb + kudasai for request).
りんごの重量を量る。
Measure the weight of the apples.
りんごの重量 (noun modifying noun) + を (object particle) + 量る (dictionary form verb).
重量が重いです。
The weight is heavy. (Colloquial)
重量 (noun) + が (subject particle) + 重いです (adjective, polite).
最大重量は20キロです。
The maximum weight is 20 kilos.
最大 (prefix) + 重量 (noun) + は (topic particle) + 20キロです.
この手荷物は重量制限を超えています。
This hand luggage exceeds the weight limit.
重量制限 (compound noun) + を (object particle) + 超えています (te-iru form for current state).
トラックの総重量を確認する。
Confirm the total weight of the truck.
総 (prefix) + 重量 (noun) + を (object particle) + 確認する (dictionary form verb).
商品の内容重量は500グラムです。
The net weight of the product is 500 grams.
内容重量 (compound noun) + は (topic particle) + 500グラムです.
重量によって送料が変わります。
The shipping fee changes depending on the weight.
重量 (noun) + によって (grammar pattern: depending on) + 送料が変わります.
エレベーターの重量制限に注意してください。
Please be careful of the elevator's weight limit.
重量制限 (compound noun) + に (target particle) + 注意してください (request form).
少し重量を減らしたほうがいいです。
It is better to reduce the weight a little.
重量 (noun) + を (object particle) + 減らしたほうがいいです (grammar pattern: had better do).
この橋は重量制限があります。
This bridge has a weight limit.
重量制限 (compound noun) + が (subject particle) + あります (verb of existence).
正確な重量を計算してください。
Please calculate the exact weight.
正確な (na-adjective) + 重量 (noun) + を (object particle) + 計算してください.
航空便の料金は、荷物の重量とサイズで決まります。
Airmail rates are determined by the weight and size of the luggage.
重量とサイズ (noun + particle + noun) + で (particle indicating means/basis) + 決まります (intransitive verb).
規定の重量をオーバーしたため、追加料金が発生しました。
Because it exceeded the regulated weight, an additional fee was incurred.
規定の重量 (noun modifying noun) + をオーバーしたため (verb past + tame: because).
製品の仕様書に重量を記載する必要があります。
It is necessary to record the weight in the product specifications.
重量 (noun) + を (object particle) + 記載する必要がある (verb + hitsuyō ga aru: need to).
この車両の総重量は法律で制限されています。
The total weight of this vehicle is restricted by law.
総重量 (compound noun) + は (topic) + 法律で (by law) + 制限されています (passive te-iru form).
梱包材の重量を引いて、純重量を計算する。
Subtract the weight of the packing materials to calculate the net weight.
重量を引いて (verb te-form for sequence) + 純重量 (net weight) + を計算する.
重量挙げの選手は、毎日厳しいトレーニングをしています。
Weightlifting athletes undergo strict training every day.
重量挙げ (compound noun: weightlifting) + の選手 (athlete).
安全のため、積載重量を厳守してください。
For safety, please strictly observe the load capacity.
積載重量 (load capacity) + を厳守してください (strict request).
部品の重量を軽くすることで、燃費が向上します。
By making the weight of the parts lighter, fuel efficiency improves.
重量を軽くする (noun + particle + adjective-ku + suru: to make lighter) + ことで (by doing).
建築基準法に基づき、建物の耐荷重と自重(重量)を計算する。
Based on the Building Standards Act, calculate the building's load-bearing capacity and dead weight.
自重(重量) (dead weight) + を計算する. Uses formal legal context (に基づき).
物流コストを削減するため、梱包の軽量化を図り、全体の重量を抑える。
To reduce logistics costs, we aim to lighten the packaging and suppress the overall weight.
全体の重量 (overall weight) + を抑える (to suppress/keep down).
この橋梁は老朽化が進んでおり、通過車両の重量制限が強化された。
This bridge is aging, so the weight limit for passing vehicles has been strengthened.
重量制限 (weight limit) + が強化された (passive past: was strengthened).
国際郵便では、容積重量と実重量のどちらか重い方が運賃の基準となる。
In international mail, either the volumetric weight or the actual weight, whichever is heavier, becomes the basis for the fare.
容積重量 (volumetric weight) と 実重量 (actual weight).
精密機械の輸送においては、重量バランスの偏りが故障の原因になり得る。
In the transport of precision machinery, an imbalance in weight distribution can be a cause of failure.
重量バランス (weight balance) + の偏り (bias/imbalance).
自動車税は、エンジンの排気量だけでなく、車両重量によっても区分される。
Automobile tax is classified not only by engine displacement but also by vehicle weight.
車両重量 (vehicle weight) + によって (depending on) + 区分される (passive: is classified).
その金属は体積の割に重量があり、非常に密度が高いことがわかる。
That metal has weight relative to its volume, indicating a very high density.
体積の割に (relative to volume) + 重量があり (has weight).
クレーンの定格総荷重は、吊り上げる荷物の重量とフックの重量の合計である。
The rated total load of a crane is the sum of the weight of the lifted load and the weight of the hook.
荷物の重量 (weight of load) + とフックの重量 (and weight of hook) + の合計 (sum).
航空機の設計において、機体重量の軽減は燃費効率と航続距離に直結する至上命題である。
In aircraft design, the reduction of airframe weight is a supreme imperative directly linked to fuel efficiency and cruising range.
機体重量 (airframe weight) + の軽減 (reduction). Highly formal academic/technical register.
過積載による大型トラックの走行は、道路インフラに甚大なダメージを与え、重量指定道路の維持管理費を高騰させる。
The operation of overloaded heavy trucks causes immense damage to road infrastructure, driving up the maintenance costs of weight-designated roads.
重量指定道路 (weight-designated road). Advanced compound noun.
本契約における「重量」とは、検量人によって発行された公式な計量証明書に記載された数値を指すものとする。
The 'weight' in this contract shall refer to the figure recorded on the official weighing certificate issued by the surveyor.
Definitional legal phrasing: 「重量」とは〜を指すものとする (shall refer to).
地球の重力場における重量と、微小重力環境下における質量の概念的差異を正確に把握する必要がある。
It is necessary to accurately grasp the conceptual difference between weight in Earth's gravitational field and mass in a microgravity environment.
重量 (weight) と 質量 (mass) の概念的差異 (conceptual difference). Physics context.
関税定率法に基づき、輸入品の課税価格は、その物品の純重量を基準として算定される場合がある。
Based on the Customs Tariff Law, the taxable value of imported goods may be calculated based on the net weight of the items.
純重量 (net weight) + を基準として (as a basis). Legal/economic context.
構造計算において、積雪重量や風荷重などの外乱要因を考慮しない設計は、致命的な欠陥を招く。
In structural calculations, a design that does not consider disturbance factors such as snow weight and wind load invites fatal flaws.
積雪重量 (snow weight). Specialized engineering vocabulary.
その新素材は、従来の鉄鋼と同等の強度を保ちながら、重量を約三分の一に抑えることに成功した。
The new material succeeded in keeping the weight to about one-third while maintaining strength equivalent to conventional steel.
重量を約三分の一に抑える (suppress the weight to about 1/3).
コンテナの偏荷重を防ぐため、バンニング計画の段階で各貨物の重量分布を綿密にシミュレーションする。
To prevent uneven loading of the container, the weight distribution of each cargo is meticulously simulated at the vanning plan stage.
重量分布 (weight distribution). Logistics terminology.
アインシュタインの等価原理は、慣性質量と重力質量が同一であることを要請し、結果として重量という概念の相対性を浮き彫りにした。
Einstein's equivalence principle requires that inertial mass and gravitational mass be identical, thereby highlighting the relativity of the concept of weight.
重量という概念 (the concept of weight). Abstract theoretical physics context.
国際単位系(SI)の再定義に伴い、キログラムの定義がプランク定数に紐づけられたことは、重量測定の歴史におけるパラダイムシフトである。
With the redefinition of the International System of Units (SI), linking the definition of the kilogram to the Planck constant represents a paradigm shift in the history of weight measurement.
重量測定の歴史 (history of weight measurement). Scientific historical context.
海事法規における堪航性の要件として、船舶の復原性を確保するための適切な重量重心の計算は、船長の厳格な義務とされている。
As a requirement for seaworthiness in maritime law, the calculation of the appropriate center of gravity of weight to ensure the vessel's stability is considered a strict duty of the captain.
重量重心 (center of gravity of weight). Highly specialized maritime law vocabulary.
古代メソポタミアの標準分銅から現代の電子天秤に至るまで、重量の標準化は人類の商業活動と国家権力の変遷を如実に物語っている。
From the standard weights of ancient Mesopotamia to modern electronic balances, the standardization of weight vividly tells the story of the evolution of human commercial activity and state power.
重量の標準化 (standardization of weight). Historical/anthropological context.
当該訴訟において争点となったのは、契約書に明記された「乾燥重量」の定義が、業界の慣習的解釈と合致しているか否かという点であった。
The point of contention in the lawsuit was whether the definition of 'dry weight' specified in the contract aligned with the customary interpretation of the industry.
乾燥重量 (dry weight). Legal dispute context.
超高層建築物の免震構造において、上部構造の巨大な重量をいかにして基礎部分で効果的に減衰させるかが、設計上の最大の難関となる。
In the seismic isolation structure of ultra-high-rise buildings, how to effectively attenuate the massive weight of the superstructure at the foundation is the greatest design challenge.
巨大な重量 (massive weight). Advanced structural engineering.
薬物動態学の観点から、投与量は患者の体重だけでなく、除脂肪体重や臓器の推定重量をも加味して個別最適化されるべきである。
From a pharmacokinetic perspective, the dosage should be individually optimized taking into account not only the patient's body weight but also lean body mass and estimated organ weight.
臓器の推定重量 (estimated organ weight). Advanced medical/pharmacological context.
宇宙開発におけるペイロードの重量制限は極めて厳格であり、グラム単位の超過が打ち上げコストの天文学的な増大を招く。
Payload weight limits in space exploration are extremely strict, and an excess of even a gram leads to an astronomical increase in launch costs.
ペイロードの重量制限 (payload weight limit). Aerospace engineering context.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Highly objective and formal. Lacks the sensory or emotional connotation of 'heaviness'.
Strictly for inanimate objects. Never for living beings.
- Using 重量 for human body weight instead of 体重.
- Using 重量 to describe the subjective feeling of heaviness instead of 重さ.
- Mispronouncing the word by shortening the long vowels (juryo instead of jūryō).
- Using casual verbs with the formal noun 重量 (e.g., 重量を見る instead of 重量を量る).
- Confusing the kanji 量 with other similar-looking kanji.
Tipps
Never for People
Do not use 重量 when asking about someone's weight. It is strictly for objects. Use 体重 (taijū) for humans and animals. Using the wrong word sounds very strange to native speakers. Remember: Objects have 重量, living things have 体重.
Airport Survival
Memorize the phrase 重量制限 (jūryō seigen - weight limit). You will see it at every airline check-in counter. Knowing this word helps you avoid unexpected fees. Also, listen for 重量オーバー (overweight).
Verbs to Use
Pair 重量 with verbs like 量る (hakaru - to measure) and 超える (koeru - to exceed). These are the most natural collocations. Avoid using '見る' (to see) when you mean 'to measure'. Say 重量を量る, not 重量を見る.
Long Vowels
Pay close attention to the long vowels in jūryō. Both syllables are elongated. Practice saying it slowly to ensure you don't shorten it to 'juryo'. Correct pronunciation is key to being understood.
Business Emails
When writing formal emails about shipping or products, always use 重量 instead of 重さ. It elevates your language and sounds professional. It shows you understand business register. E.g., 箱の重量は5kgです。
Product Labels
Look at the back of Japanese snacks or products. You will often see 内容重量 (net weight). This is a great way to practice reading the kanji in real life. It helps you understand exactly how much you are buying.
Objective vs Subjective
Remember that 重量 is objective (a number on a scale), while 重さ is subjective (how heavy it feels). If you are talking about a feeling, use 重さ. If you are talking about data, use 重量.
Break it Down
The kanji 重 means heavy, and 量 means measure. Thinking of it as 'heavy-measure' makes it easy to remember. Both kanji are very common, so learning them helps with many other words.
Compound Words
Learn prefixes and suffixes. Adding 総 (total) makes 総重量. Adding 制限 (limit) makes 重量制限. This is an easy way to multiply your vocabulary quickly. Japanese uses these compounds frequently.
Strict Limits
In Japan, weight limits are strictly enforced, especially for luggage and shipping. Do not expect leniency if you are 'just a little' over the limit. Knowing the word helps you prepare and respect these rules.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a JEWELER (jū) weighing a RYO (ryō - old Japanese gold coin) to find its exact WEIGHT.
Wortherkunft
Sino-Japanese (On'yomi)
Kultureller Kontext
Today, it is universally used with metric units (grams, kilograms, tons) in all official capacities.
Before the adoption of the metric system, Japan used the 'shakkanho' system, where weight was measured in 'kan' and 'monme'. The concept of 'jūryō' transitioned to metric units during the Meiji restoration.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"すみません、この荷物の重量を量ってもらえますか? (Excuse me, could you weigh this luggage?)"
"飛行機の重量制限は何キロですか? (What is the weight limit for the airplane?)"
"重量オーバーの場合、いくらかかりますか? (How much does it cost if it's overweight?)"
"この商品の内容重量はどこに書いてありますか? (Where is the net weight of this product written?)"
"トラックの総重量を教えてください。 (Please tell me the total weight of the truck.)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a time you had to worry about the weight limit (重量制限) of your luggage.
Explain the difference between 重量 and 体重 in your own words.
Write a short dialogue at a post office where someone is asking about the shipping cost based on weight.
Discuss why precise weight measurement (重量測定) is important in manufacturing.
Imagine you are an engineer. Write a brief report on the weight capacity of a new bridge.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, you cannot. Using 重量 for a person sounds very unnatural and robotic, as if you are a piece of cargo. The correct word for human or animal body weight is 体重 (taijū). Always keep this distinction in mind. It is one of the most common mistakes learners make.
重量 is formal, objective, and used for exact measurements (like on a scale). 重さ is casual, subjective, and describes the feeling of heaviness. You use 重量 at the post office, but you use 重さ when complaining about a heavy backpack. 重さ can also be used metaphorically, while 重量 cannot.
It is pronounced 'jūryō'. Both the 'u' and the 'o' are long vowels. You must hold the sound for two beats each. Mispronouncing it as 'juryo' with short vowels can make it hard for native speakers to understand you. Practice elongating the sounds.
Yes, it is used in physics to mean 'weight' (the force of gravity on an object). However, it must be distinguished from 質量 (shitsuryō), which means 'mass'. Just like in English, weight changes with gravity, but mass remains constant.
It means 'overweight' or 'exceeding the weight limit'. It is a very common phrase at airports when your luggage is too heavy. It is a combination of the Japanese word for weight and the English loanword 'over'. Knowing this phrase can save you money!
Yes, you can use it for liquids if you are measuring their mass (e.g., in kilograms or grams). However, liquids are often measured by volume (体積 - taiseki) or capacity (容量 - yōryō) in liters. If the label specifies grams, it will use 重量 or 内容量.
The kanji are 重 (heavy) and 量 (measure/quantity). Together, they literally mean 'the measurement of heaviness'. Both are very common kanji that you will see in many other words, so they are worth memorizing early on.
You can say '重量を量ってください' (Jūryō o hakatte kudasai). This is a polite and standard way to ask a clerk at a post office or airport to put your item on the scale. It is a very useful phrase for travelers.
総重量 (sō-jūryō) means 'total weight'. The prefix 総 (sō) means 'total' or 'gross'. You will see this on trucks, shipping manifests, and food packaging to indicate the weight of the item plus its packaging or vehicle.
Yes, it is extremely common in daily life in Japan. You will see it on signs, packaging, and official documents everywhere. While you might not use it in casual chats with friends, it is essential survival vocabulary for living or traveling in Japan.
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Summary
Use 重量 (jūryō) when referring to the exact, measurable weight of inanimate objects in formal contexts like shipping or travel, and never for human body weight.
- Means 'weight' for objects, not people.
- Used in formal, official, or technical settings.
- Common at post offices and airports.
- Distinct from subjective heaviness (重さ).
Never for People
Do not use 重量 when asking about someone's weight. It is strictly for objects. Use 体重 (taijū) for humans and animals. Using the wrong word sounds very strange to native speakers. Remember: Objects have 重量, living things have 体重.
Airport Survival
Memorize the phrase 重量制限 (jūryō seigen - weight limit). You will see it at every airline check-in counter. Knowing this word helps you avoid unexpected fees. Also, listen for 重量オーバー (overweight).
Verbs to Use
Pair 重量 with verbs like 量る (hakaru - to measure) and 超える (koeru - to exceed). These are the most natural collocations. Avoid using '見る' (to see) when you mean 'to measure'. Say 重量を量る, not 重量を見る.
Long Vowels
Pay close attention to the long vowels in jūryō. Both syllables are elongated. Practice saying it slowly to ensure you don't shorten it to 'juryo'. Correct pronunciation is key to being understood.
Beispiel
重量制限があります。
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr Math Wörter
面積
A1Die Fläche oder der Flächeninhalt. Wird in der Mathematik und Geographie verwendet.
計算
A1Der Prozess der Verwendung von Zahlen, um ein Ergebnis zu finden. Es kann sich auch auf strategische Planung beziehen.
算定
A1Berechnung oder Festsetzung eines Betrages nach bestimmten Kriterien.
容積
A1Das Innenvolumen oder die Kapazität eines Behälters.
円周
A1Der Kreisumfang ist die Länge der Begrenzungslinie eines Kreises.
算出
A1Der Prozess der Berechnung eines numerischen Wertes unter Verwendung von Daten oder einer spezifischen Formel.
減少
A1Rückgang, Abnahme, Verminderung. Wird verwendet, um einen Rückgang von Mengen oder Zahlen zu beschreiben.
対角
A1Die gegenüberliegende Ecke oder diagonale Richtung in einem Raum. Wird in der Geometrie und für räumliche Positionen verwendet.
直径
A1Der Abstand von einer Seite eines Kreises zur anderen, der durch den Mittelpunkt verläuft.
距離
A1Der physische Abstand zwischen zwei Punkten. Es beschreibt auch die emotionale oder psychologische Distanz zwischen Menschen.