Translation guide
The English word 'metre' (or 'meter' in US spelling) refers to a unit of length in the metric system. In Japanese, it is commonly expressed with the loanword メートル. This guide covers how to talk about metres in various contexts, including measurements, distances, and compound units.
metre (unit of length)
Expressing a specific length in metres, such as height, width, or distance.
The standard Japanese word for 'metre', a loanword from English. Used in all contexts: everyday conversation, science, and official documents.
This room is 5 metres long.
My height is 1.7 metres.
The symbol 'm' is widely understood in Japan, especially in written contexts like signs, technical documents, and labels. When read aloud, it is pronounced メートル.
The speed limit is 50 km/h.
Expressing area in square metres.
The standard term for 'square metre'. Used in real estate, construction, and everyday contexts.
This apartment is 30 square metres.
The symbol for square metre, common in written form. Pronounced へいほうメートル.
The floor area is 50 m².
Expressing volume in cubic metres.
The standard term for 'cubic metre'. Used for volumes of liquids, gases, or solids.
This tank has a capacity of 2 cubic metres.
The symbol for cubic metre, used in writing. Pronounced りっぽうメートル.
The gas usage is 10 m³.
Using metre in units like kilometres, centimetres, etc.
Referring to poetic metre or rhythm.
The Japanese term for poetic metre or rhythm. Used in literary analysis. Not related to the unit of length.
The metre of this poem is complex.
In casual conversation, longer metric units are often shortened: キロメートル → キロ, センチメートル → センチ, ミリメートル → ミリ. However, メートル itself is not usually shortened.
The English word 'meter' can also mean a measuring device (e.g., parking meter, gas meter). In Japanese, those are usually メーター (mētā), with a long vowel. Be careful not to mix them up.
The pool is 25 metres long.
I walked about 100 metres.
Centimetre. Often abbreviated as センチ in casual speech.
This paper is 0.1 centimetres thick.
The screw's diameter is 5 millimetres.