Translation guide
The English word 'gauge' can refer to measuring instruments, the act of measuring or estimating, or a standard dimension. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A device that shows a measurement like pressure, fuel level, or speed.
The gauges on the dashboard broke.
Loanword from English, common in technical and everyday contexts for specific gauges (e.g., pressure gauge, fuel gauge).
Please check the tire pressure gauge.
Often used for meters that measure flow, speed, or consumption (e.g., gas meter, speedometer).
I recorded the reading on the gas gauge.
To determine the size, amount, or degree of something, often approximately.
General verb for measuring physical dimensions, weight, or quantity.
Please gauge the temperature.
Often used for measuring time, numbers, or with instruments. Similar to 測る but with a nuance of calculation.
To estimate or gauge roughly, often used for costs, time, or quantities.
To judge or gauge a situation, mood, or person's feelings. More about assessment than measurement.
A standard measure of thickness or size, especially for materials like wire or metal sheets.
The distance between rails on a railway.
These three verbs are all read はかる but have different nuances. 測る is for physical dimensions (length, height, depth). 計る is for numerical values using instruments (time, speed, weight). 量る is for volume or capacity. For 'gauge' in the sense of measuring, 測る or 計る are most common.
measure height
measure time
measure capacity
While ゲージ is widely understood, it is not used for the verb 'to gauge' (estimate). Use verbs like 測る or 見積もる instead. Also, for general measuring instruments, 計器 is more natural in formal contexts.
時間を計って実験した。
We gauged the time and conducted the experiment.
必要な費用を見積もった。
I gauged the necessary expenses.
It's hard to gauge his reaction.
この糸は40番手だ。
This yarn is 40 gauge.
This line is narrow gauge.