測定 in 30 Seconds
- Measurement using tools for precise data.
- Formal noun/verb used in science and medicine.
- Focuses on physical properties like height or weight.
- Implies accuracy and standardized units of measure.
The Japanese word 測定 (そくてい - Sokutei) is a formal noun and verb (suru-verb) that primarily translates to 'measurement' or 'instrumentation.' Unlike general words for 'measuring' like 測る (hakaru), 測定 specifically refers to the act of obtaining precise numerical data using specialized tools, instruments, or standardized procedures. It is the backbone of scientific inquiry, medical diagnostics, and engineering precision. When you use 測定, you are implying a level of accuracy and technicality that goes beyond just checking the length of a piece of string with your hand.
- Scientific Context
- Refers to the quantification of physical properties like mass, velocity, or radiation using calibrated devices.
- Medical Context
- Used for clinical readings such as blood pressure (血圧測定), heart rate, or bone density.
- Technical Context
- Involves quality control in manufacturing where dimensions must meet strict tolerances.
「最新の機器を用いて、大気汚染のレベルを精密に測定した。」 (Using the latest equipment, we precisely measured the level of air pollution.)
To understand 測定 deeply, one must look at its kanji components. 測 (Soku) means to fathom, measure, or conjecture, often associated with depth or plan. 定 (Tei) means to fix, determine, or establish. Together, they describe the process of 'determining a fixed value through measurement.' This is why it is rarely used for casual things like measuring sugar for a cake (where 'hakaru' is preferred) but is always used for a 'physical fitness test' (体力測定) in schools.
「この実験では、温度の変化を1秒ごとに測定する必要があります。」 (In this experiment, it is necessary to measure temperature changes every second.)
「血圧の測定結果は正常でした。」 (The blood pressure measurement results were normal.)
「騒音レベルの測定を行い、基準値を超えていることが判明した。」 (Noise level measurements were taken, and it was found to exceed the standard values.)
「衛星を使って地球の表面を測定する。」 (Measure the Earth's surface using satellites.)
- Standardization
- 測定 implies the use of SI units or other universally recognized metrics.
- Objectivity
- The focus is on the data itself, removing subjective bias from the observer.
Using 測定 correctly requires understanding its role as a suru-verb. You can say 測定する (to measure) or 測定を行う (to perform a measurement). It is almost exclusively used for physical, quantifiable properties. You would not use it to 'measure' someone's courage or 'measure' the success of a party in a metaphorical sense; for those, you might use 測る or 評価する (hyouka suru).
Grammar Patterns
- [Object] を 測定する: To measure [Object]. (e.g., 距離を測定する - Measure distance).
- [Object] の 測定: Measurement of [Object]. (e.g., 放射能の測定 - Measurement of radioactivity).
- 測定器 (Sokuteiki): Measuring instrument/device.
In professional settings, 測定 is often paired with adverbs that emphasize precision, such as 精密に (seimitsu ni - precisely), 正確に (seikaku ni - accurately), or 連続的に (renzoku-teki ni - continuously). It is also common in the passive voice in technical reports: 「～が測定された」 (It was measured that...).
「この定規では、1ミリ以下の単位は測定できません。」 (With this ruler, units smaller than 1mm cannot be measured.)
Furthermore, 測定 is often the first step in a larger process of analysis. It is followed by 記録 (kiroku - recording), 分析 (bunseki - analysis), and 評価 (hyouka - evaluation). If you are writing a lab report or a medical chart, 測定 is your go-to word for the data collection phase.
You will encounter 測定 in several specific environments. In hospitals and clinics, you'll hear it regarding vital signs. In factories and laboratories, it's used for quality assurance and experiments. In news reports, it's used when discussing environmental data like earthquake intensity, radiation levels, or weather patterns.
Common Scenarios
- Health Checkups
- 'Next, we will measure your height.' (次は身長の測定をします。)
- Environmental Monitoring
- 'Measuring the water quality of the river.' (河川の水質を測定する。)
- Sports Science
- 'Measuring the athlete's top speed.' (選手の最高速度を測定する。)
In Japanese media, during the 2011 Fukushima disaster, the word 放射線測定 (houshasen sokutei - radiation measurement) became a daily household term. This highlights the word's association with safety, standards, and objective reality.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 測定 with its synonyms 測量 (sokuryou), 計測 (keisoku), and the general verb 測る (hakaru). While they all involve 'measuring,' their usage domains are strictly separated in professional Japanese.
- Don't use 測定 for land: Measuring land or terrain for construction is 測量 (sokuryou - surveying).
- Don't use 測定 for time: While you can measure the duration of a physical phenomenon, 'measuring time' in a general sense (like a stopwatch for a race) is often 計測 (keisoku) or simply タイムを計る.
- Don't use 測定 for cooking: Measuring flour or water for a recipe is 秤量 (hyouryou) or just 測る/計る. Using 測定 here sounds like you are performing a chemical experiment on your dinner.
Another mistake is using 測定 for abstract concepts. You cannot 'measure' someone's love or 'measure' the beauty of a sunset with 測定. For these, use words like 推し量る (oshihakaru - to surmise) or 評価する (hyouka suru - to evaluate).
To master 測定, you must distinguish it from these four related terms:
- 計測 (Keisoku)
- Focuses on the continuous monitoring of values over time, often automated. Used in industrial processes.
- 測量 (Sokuryou)
- Specifically for land, maps, and geographical features. Think 'surveying.'
- 計量 (Keiryou)
- Focuses on quantity, volume, or weight, especially in trade or cooking.
- 観測 (Kansoku)
- Observation of natural phenomena, like stars (天体観測) or weather, where you observe without necessarily 'applying' a tool directly to the object.
In summary, 測定 is the 'scientific measurement' of a specific physical property at a specific point in time.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Suru-verbs
Passive voice for technical reports
Noun + の + Noun
Potential form (～できる)
Adverbial form of adjectives (～に)
Examples by Level
学校で身長を測定します。
I will measure my height at school.
Object + を + 測定します
体重の測定はあちらです。
Weight measurement is over there.
Noun + の + 測定
毎日、熱を測定してください。
Please measure your temperature every day.
Imperative form of 測定する
この機械で測定できますか？
Can I measure with this machine?
Potential form 測定できる
測定は終わりました。
The measurement is finished.
Subject + は + 終わりました
正しい測定が必要です。
Correct measurement is necessary.
Adjective + 測定
昨日、血圧を測定しました。
I measured my blood pressure yesterday.
Past tense 測定しました
測定の結果を見ます。
I will look at the measurement results.
測定の結果 (Results of measurement)
血圧の測定を毎日行っています。
I perform blood pressure measurements every day.
測定を行う (to perform measurement)
この定規は1ミリ単位で測定できる。
This ruler can measure in 1mm units.
単位で (in units of)
箱の大きさを正確に測定してください。
Please measure the size of the box accurately.
正確に (accurately) + 測定する
測定器を使って、音の大きさを調べた。
I used a measuring device to check the volume of the sound.
測定器 (measuring instrument)
健康診断で視力を測定した。
I had my eyesight measured at the health checkup.
視力を測定する (measure eyesight)
川の深さを測定するのは難しい。
Measuring the depth of the river is difficult.
～するのは難しい (It is difficult to...)
測定の前に、機械を準備します。
Before measurement, prepare the machine.
測定の前に (Before measurement)
この部屋の温度を測定しましょう。
Let's measure the temperature of this room.
Volitional form 測定しましょう
実験の結果、誤差が少なく測定できた。
As a result of the experiment, we were able to measure with little error.
誤差 (error) + が少なく
最新のセンサーで振動を精密に測定する。
Measure vibrations precisely with the latest sensors.
精密に (precisely)
測定データは自動的に保存されます。
Measurement data is automatically saved.
測定データ (measurement data)
大気中の二酸化炭素濃度を測定している。
We are measuring the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
～を測定している (continuous action)
この方法は、時間の測定には向いていない。
This method is not suitable for measuring time.
～に向いていない (not suitable for)
測定範囲を超えると、エラーが表示される。
If the measurement range is exceeded, an error is displayed.
測定範囲 (measurement range)
定期的な測定が、機械の故障を防ぐ。
Regular measurement prevents machine failure.
定期的な (regular)
専門家に騒音の測定を依頼した。
I requested a professional to measure the noise.
測定を依頼する (request measurement)
測定方法の変更により、数値が安定した。
Due to the change in measurement method, the values stabilized.
測定方法 (measurement method)
この装置は、微細な粒子のサイズを測定可能だ。
This device is capable of measuring the size of minute particles.
測定可能 (measurable/capable of measuring)
測定値のばらつきを抑える必要がある。
It is necessary to suppress the variation in measured values.
測定値 (measured value)
放射線量を測定し、安全性を確認する。
Measure the radiation dose and confirm safety.
～し、～する (sequential actions)
標準的な環境下で測定を行わなければならない。
Measurements must be carried out under standard environments.
～なければならない (must)
測定対象によって、使用する器具が異なる。
The instruments used differ depending on the measurement object.
測定対象 (object of measurement)
この実験の目的は、反応速度を測定することだ。
The purpose of this experiment is to measure the reaction rate.
～することだ (is to...)
測定結果をグラフにまとめて報告した。
I summarized the measurement results in a graph and reported them.
～にまとめて (summarize into)
測定手法の妥当性について、議論が交わされた。
A discussion was held regarding the validity of the measurement methodology.
妥当性 (validity)
量子力学において、測定は対象の状態に影響を与える。
In quantum mechanics, measurement affects the state of the object.
～に影響を与える (affects...)
広範囲にわたる地殻変動を、GPSで精密に測定する。
Precisely measure wide-ranging crustal movements using GPS.
広範囲にわたる (wide-ranging)
測定限界に近い微弱な信号を検出した。
Detected a faint signal close to the measurement limit.
測定限界 (measurement limit)
誤差要因を特定し、測定の精度を向上させる。
Identify error factors and improve measurement precision.
精度を向上させる (improve precision)
この論文は、新しい測定アルゴリズムを提案している。
This paper proposes a new measurement algorithm.
測定アルゴリズム (measurement algorithm)
測定データの信頼性を担保するため、二重チェックを行う。
To guarantee the reliability of the measurement data, perform a double check.
信頼性を担保する (guarantee reliability)
非破壊検査により、内部の亀裂を測定する。
Measure internal cracks using non-destructive testing.
非破壊検査 (non-destructive testing)
度量衡の統一は、近代的な測定技術の発展に寄与した。
The unification of weights and measures contributed to the development of modern measurement technology.
度量衡 (weights and measures)
測定の不確かさを定量的に評価することが求められる。
It is required to quantitatively evaluate the uncertainty of measurement.
測定の不確かさ (uncertainty of measurement)
ナノスケールでの測定には、極めて高度な技術を要する。
Measurement at the nano-scale requires extremely advanced technology.
～を要する (requires)
測定結果の解釈には、背景となる理論の深い理解が不可欠だ。
Deep understanding of the underlying theory is essential for interpreting measurement results.
不可欠 (essential)
遠隔測定（テレメトリー）技術が、宇宙探査を支えている。
Telemetry technology supports space exploration.
遠隔測定 (telemetry)
測定バイアスを排除するための厳格なプロトコルを策定した。
Formulated a strict protocol to eliminate measurement bias.
測定バイアス (measurement bias)
動的な環境下におけるリアルタイム測定の課題を克服する。
Overcome the challenges of real-time measurement in dynamic environments.
課題を克服する (overcome challenges)
測定の哲学的な側面、すなわち観測者問題について考察する。
Consider the philosophical aspects of measurement, namely the observer problem.
～について考察する (consider/reflect on)
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Limited to physical/quantifiable attributes.
Higher than 'hakaru'.
Implies the use of an instrument.
- Using 測定 for land surveying (use 測量).
- Using 測定 for measuring ingredients in a kitchen (use 測る).
- Using 測定 for mental estimation (use 推測).
- Forgetting the 'suru' when using it as a verb.
- Confusing the pitch accent with 'sokutei' (different kanji/meaning, though rare).
Tips
Use for Tools
Always use 測定 when a specific tool like a scale or ruler is involved.
Report Writing
In lab reports, use 測定 to describe the data collection phase.
JLPT Tip
測定 often appears in N3 and N2 reading passages about science.
Kanji Meaning
Remember 測 (measure) + 定 (fix/determine).
Flat Tone
Keep your voice level; don't stress any particular syllable.
Hospital Use
Expect to hear this word every time you visit a Japanese clinic.
vs 測量
If you are measuring a room for furniture, use 測定. If you are measuring a field for a house, use 測量.
Abstract Avoidance
Don't use it for 'measuring success' unless you have a literal meter for it.
Common Compounds
Learn 測定結果 (results) and 測定値 (values) together.
School Memories
Mentioning 'Shintai Sokutei' is a great way to start a conversation with Japanese people.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kango) origin, combining 'measure' and 'determine'.
Cultural Context
Japanese industry is famous for 'nanometer-level' 測定.
Physical measurement days are usually held in April at the start of the school year.
Post-2011, radiation 測定 became a common community activity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"最近、健康診断で身長を測定しましたか？"
"この部屋の騒音を測定したほうがいいですよ。"
"新しい測定器の使い方は分かりましたか？"
"測定結果に誤差があるようです。"
"体脂肪率を測定する機械を持っていますか？"
Journal Prompts
今日の体温を測定して記録しましょう。
自分の成長をどのように測定しますか？
精密な測定が必要だった経験について書いてください。
科学実験で何を測定したいですか？
日本の「身体測定」の文化についてどう思いますか？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is technically possible but sounds very strange. Use 'hakaru' or 'keiryou' instead.
測定 is a formal noun/verb for technical use. 測る is the general everyday verb.
Usually, we use 計測 or 計る for time. 測定 is for physical dimensions/properties.
It is any device used for measurement, like a thermometer or a voltmeter.
No, 測定 is for physical things. Use 評価 (evaluation) or 表現 (expression) for feelings.
Yes, for measuring speed, jump height, or body stats.
It is 測定誤差 (sokutei gosa).
Yes, it is very common in news, medicine, and science.
Yes, it is a noun. Example: 測定が始まる (The measurement begins).
It is the annual physical checkup in Japanese schools.
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Summary
測定 (Sokutei) is the formal Japanese term for technical measurement. Use it when you are using an instrument to get a precise numerical value in a professional, medical, or scientific setting.
- Measurement using tools for precise data.
- Formal noun/verb used in science and medicine.
- Focuses on physical properties like height or weight.
- Implies accuracy and standardized units of measure.
Use for Tools
Always use 測定 when a specific tool like a scale or ruler is involved.
Report Writing
In lab reports, use 測定 to describe the data collection phase.
JLPT Tip
測定 often appears in N3 and N2 reading passages about science.
Kanji Meaning
Remember 測 (measure) + 定 (fix/determine).
Example
温度を測定します。
Related Content
More Math words
面積
A1面積 refers to the measurement of the size of a surface or the amount of space inside a two-dimensional shape. It is commonly used in mathematics, real estate, and geography to describe how much space a flat object or land occupies.
計算
A1The process of using numbers to find a total or result, such as addition, subtraction, or multiplication. It can refer to basic arithmetic, professional accounting, or the general act of estimating or planning a outcome.
算定
A1The process of calculating or estimating a specific numerical value, amount, or cost based on a set of fixed criteria or standards. It is a formal term often used in legal, insurance, financial, or administrative contexts to determine an official figure.
容積
A1The internal volume or capacity of a container or three-dimensional space. It refers to how much a container can hold, often used in architectural, shipping, or scientific contexts.
円周
A1The distance around the outside of a circle. It is a mathematical term used to describe the perimeter or boundary line of a circular shape.
算出
A1The process of calculating or computing a numerical value using data or a specific formula. It is often used in formal or technical contexts to describe arriving at a final figure or result.
減少
A1A reduction or decrease in the quantity, number, or amount of something. It is commonly used in both general conversation and formal reports to describe a downward trend in data or resources.
対角
A1Refers to a diagonal relationship or position, specifically relating to opposite corners or angles in a geometric shape or a physical space. It is commonly used in mathematics to describe lines connecting non-adjacent vertices, as well as in daily life to describe sitting or standing diagonally across from someone.
直径
A1The distance from one side of a circle to the other, passing through the center point. It is a fundamental measurement used in geometry and daily life to describe the size of round objects like plates or pipes.
距離
A1Kyori refers to the physical amount of space between two points or objects. It can also be used figuratively to describe the psychological or emotional gap between people in a relationship.
