Translation guide
The English word "standard" can refer to a level of quality, a typical example, a flag or banner, or a widely accepted rule. This guide covers the most common Japanese expressions for each meaning, from everyday quality standards to official norms.
Expressing a required or expected level, such as in education, work, or products.
The most common word for a standard or criterion used to judge something. Used in many contexts.
この製品は安全基準を満たしています。
This product meets safety standards.
合格の基準は70点です。
The passing standard is 70 points.
Often used for abstract levels like living standards or academic standards. Slightly more formal than 基準.
生活水準が向上した。
The standard of living has improved.
Refers to a standard as an average or norm, often used in technical or statistical contexts.
標準的な身長は170cmです。
The standard height is 170 cm.
Describing something that is normal, average, or not special.
Used for something that is standard, typical, or the norm. Often used with ～的.
このサイズが標準です。
This size is standard.
標準的な手続きを踏んでください。
Please follow the standard procedure.
Means 'general' or 'common', often used when 'standard' means what most people do or use.
Referring to a formally established norm, such as an industry standard or government regulation.
Used for industrial or technical standards, like ISO or JIS standards.
この部品はJIS規格に適合している。
This part conforms to JIS standards.
Also used for official criteria, especially in legal or regulatory contexts.
Referring to a flag used as a symbol, especially in historical or military contexts.
General word for flag. Can be used for a standard in the sense of a banner.
彼らは旗を掲げて行進した。
They marched carrying the standard.
Specifically a military standard or battle flag.
基準 (kijun) is a criterion or yardstick for judgment. 標準 (hyōjun) is an average or typical level. 水準 (suijun) is often used for abstract levels like living standards or academic achievement. In many cases they overlap, but 基準 emphasizes a threshold, while 標準 emphasizes normality.
That's a standard way of thinking.
Emission standards have become stricter.
The standard fluttered in the wind.