Translation guide
The concept of measurement in Japanese is expressed through several words and patterns depending on what is being measured (size, weight, quantity, etc.) and the context (formal, casual, scientific). This guide covers the most common ways to talk about measurement for English-speaking learners.
To refer to the process or act of measuring something, such as length, weight, or volume.
The most common and general term for measurement, used in scientific, technical, and everyday contexts. Often implies using an instrument to obtain a numerical value.
温度の測定を行った。
We took a measurement of the temperature.
正確な測定が必要です。
Accurate measurement is necessary.
Similar to 測定 but often emphasizes the act of measuring with a meter or gauge, and is common in engineering and technical fields.
距離を計測する。
To measure distance.
Specifically refers to surveying or measuring land, areas, or geographical features.
土地の測量を行う。
To survey the land.
To talk about the numerical result or value obtained from measuring, such as someone's measurements or the dimensions of an object.
Refers to dimensions or measurements of an object (length, width, height). Commonly used in everyday contexts like clothing sizes or furniture dimensions.
この机の寸法を教えてください。
Please tell me the measurements of this desk.
寸法を測る。
To take measurements.
Loanword from English 'size', used very commonly for clothing, shoes, and general dimensions. More casual than 寸法.
Specifically refers to a measured value or reading, often used in scientific or technical contexts.
To refer to measurements of the human body, such as waist, chest, or height.
Standard term for physical measurements taken at schools or health check-ups (height, weight, etc.).
学校で身体測定があった。
We had physical measurements at school.
Specifically refers to taking body measurements for tailoring or clothing fitting.
Refers to the three measurements (bust, waist, hips), often used in fashion or casual conversation.
To refer to a standard unit used for measuring (e.g., meters, kilograms).
General word for 'unit' (of measurement, credit, etc.). Used in all contexts.
長さの単位はメートルです。
The unit of length is the meter.
A formal or historical term for weights and measures collectively. Rarely used in daily conversation.
測定 is the most general term for measurement. 計測 is often used when referring to measurement with a meter or gauge, especially in engineering. 測量 is specifically for surveying land or large areas.
English 'measurement' can be ambiguous. In Japanese, you must choose the appropriate word based on context: 測定 for the act, 寸法 for dimensions, サイズ for size, etc. Using 測定 for body measurements sounds unnatural; use 身体測定 or 採寸 instead.
この部屋の寸法はどれくらいですか？
What are the measurements of this room?
正確な測定を行う必要があります。
We need to take accurate measurements.
The size of this clothing is M.
測定値を記録してください。
Please record the measurement values.
スーツを作るために採寸してもらった。
I had my measurements taken to make a suit.
彼女のスリーサイズは秘密だ。
Her measurements are a secret.
度量衡の統一。
Standardization of weights and measures.