天秤
Meanings
balance scales; weighing scales
A device for weighing objects, typically with two pans.
In old pharmacies, they used to weigh medicine with balance scales.
carrying pole; shoulder pole; milkmaid's yoke
Abbreviation of 天秤棒. A pole balanced across the shoulder for carrying loads.
See also: 天秤棒
You hardly see people carrying water buckets with a shoulder pole these days.
thread take-up lever (sewing machine)
A part on a sewing machine that pulls the thread up.
The thread take-up lever on my sewing machine wasn't moving properly, so I sent it for repair.
spreader bar (fishing)
A bar used in fishing rigs to keep lines apart.
I bought a spreader bar at the tackle shop and made a rig.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を天秤で計るto weigh something using a balance scale
I weighed the gemstone using a balance scale.
- 天秤で〈物〉を担ぐto carry something using a shoulder pole
The peddler carried vegetables on a shoulder pole and sold them as he walked.
- 天秤が傾くfor the balance scale to tip to one side
If you put a heavy object on one side, the balance scale tips.