A thermometer is a specialized medical tool used to measure human body temperature.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A medical device used to measure human body temperature.
- Commonly used to check for fever during illness.
- Digital types are the standard in modern households.
Overview
- 1概要：体温計（たいおんけい）は、人間の体温を測るために設計された測定機器です。かつては水銀を利用したものが主流でしたが、現在は安全性と利便性の観点から、電子式のデジタル体温計が広く普及しています。2) 使用パターン：体温計は、脇の下や口内、あるいは耳など、特定の部位に接触させて測定します。最近では、非接触型の赤外線体温計も公共施設や家庭で一般的になりました。3) 一般的な文脈：風邪やインフルエンザなどの体調不良時や、毎朝の健康チェック（検温）で頻繁に使用されます。また、女性が基礎体温を記録する際にも専用の体温計が使われます。4) 類似語との比較：温度計（おんどけい）は、気温や水温など「物」の温度を測るための一般的な総称です。一方、体温計は「人体」の測定に特化したものであり、その目的が明確に異なります。
Examples
朝、体温計で熱を測る。
everydayI take my temperature with a thermometer in the morning.
体温計の電池が切れてしまいました。
informalThe battery of the thermometer has run out.
非接触型の体温計を導入する。
formalIntroduce non-contact thermometers.
正確な体温計を用いて測定を行う。
academicPerform measurements using an accurate thermometer.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
体温計を貸してください
Please lend me a thermometer.
体温計が鳴る
The thermometer beeps.
Often Confused With
This is a general thermometer for objects, liquids, or air, not for human bodies.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and used in both formal and informal settings. When talking about the act of using it, 'ken-on' is the preferred professional term. In casual conversation, 'taion wo hakaru' is more common than just saying the noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'ondo-kei' for everything. Remember that 'taion' specifically refers to human body heat. Using 'ondo-kei' for a person sounds unnatural.
Tips
Use 'ken-on' for measuring temperature
The verb for taking a temperature is 'ken-on suru'. You can say 'ken-on suru' instead of 'taionkei de hakaru'.
Do not confuse with thermometer
Remember that 'ondo-kei' is for room or liquid temperature, while 'taion-kei' is strictly for human body temperature.
Daily health checks in Japan
In Japan, it is common for students and employees to record their temperature daily during cold and flu seasons.
Word Origin
The word is a compound of 'taion' (body temperature) and 'kei' (measuring instrument). It follows the standard Japanese pattern of adding 'kei' to nouns to denote tools of measurement.
Cultural Context
In Japan, digital thermometers are found in almost every home. During the pandemic, the use of non-contact thermometers became a standard entry requirement for most buildings.
Memory Tip
Think of 'taion' (body heat) + 'kei' (gauge/meter). It is the meter for your body heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsドラッグストアや家電量販店、オンラインショップで購入できます。
体温計を使って体温を測る行為のことです。学校や会社に入る際に行う健康チェックを指します。
脇で測る電子体温計、耳で測るもの、そして直接触れずに測る非接触型体温計があります。
製品にもよりますが、一般的に5年程度が目安とされています。電池切れの場合は電池交換で使用可能です。
Test Yourself
熱があるかもしれないので、___で体温を測ります。
体温を測るための道具は体温計です。
Score: /1
Summary
A thermometer is a specialized medical tool used to measure human body temperature.
- A medical device used to measure human body temperature.
- Commonly used to check for fever during illness.
- Digital types are the standard in modern households.
Use 'ken-on' for measuring temperature
The verb for taking a temperature is 'ken-on suru'. You can say 'ken-on suru' instead of 'taionkei de hakaru'.
Do not confuse with thermometer
Remember that 'ondo-kei' is for room or liquid temperature, while 'taion-kei' is strictly for human body temperature.
Daily health checks in Japan
In Japan, it is common for students and employees to record their temperature daily during cold and flu seasons.
Examples
4 of 4朝、体温計で熱を測る。
I take my temperature with a thermometer in the morning.
体温計の電池が切れてしまいました。
The battery of the thermometer has run out.
非接触型の体温計を導入する。
Introduce non-contact thermometers.
正確な体温計を用いて測定を行う。
Perform measurements using an accurate thermometer.
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This Word in Other Languages
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