定規

§ Understanding 定規 (jougi)

定規 (じょうぎ, jougi) is the Japanese word for 'ruler'. It's a straightforward noun, and you'll often encounter it in contexts related to school, drawing, or any situation where precise measurement or straight lines are needed. As a CEFR B1 word, it's something you should definitely learn early on.

Japanese Word

定規 (じょうぎ)

Definition

Ruler

§ Basic usage of 定規

Using 定規 in sentences is much like using 'ruler' in English. You can say you 'have a ruler', 'use a ruler', or 'draw a line with a ruler'. Let's look at some common patterns.

§ Having a ruler: 定規があります / 定規を持っています

To express that you 'have a ruler', you can use either あります (arimasu) for existence of inanimate objects or 持っています (motteimasu) for possession.

Translation hint

There is a ruler on the desk.

Translation hint

I have a new ruler.

§ Using a ruler: 定規を使います

When you want to say you 'use a ruler', the verb 使う (つかう, tsukau) is your friend. You'll typically pair it with the direct object particle を (o).

Translation hint

I use a ruler to draw lines.

Translation hint

Did you use a ruler?

§ Drawing with a ruler: 定規で線を引く

When 定規 is the instrument you use to perform an action, you'll typically see it followed by the particle で (de), which marks the instrument or means by which an action is performed.

Translation hint

Please draw a straight line with a ruler.

Translation hint

She drew a shape with a ruler.

§ Combined uses and variations

You can combine 定規 with other vocabulary to create more specific phrases.

§ Kinds of rulers

If you need to specify the type of ruler, you can add an adjective or another noun before 定規.

• 長い定規 (ながい じょうぎ): long ruler

• 短い定規 (みじかい じょうぎ): short ruler

• プラスチックの定規 (プラスチックの じょうぎ): plastic ruler

Translation hint

Could you lend me this long ruler?

§ Asking for a ruler

If you're in a classroom or office setting and need to ask for a ruler, here's a polite way to do it:

Translation hint

May I borrow your ruler?

Mastering words like 定規 and understanding how they interact with particles and verbs is key to building your Japanese fluency. Keep practicing these sentence patterns, and you'll be drawing straight lines in Japanese conversations in no time!