balance scales; weighing scales
A device for weighing objects, typically with two pans.
I weighed the gemstone using a balance scale.
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.
The peddler carried vegetables on a shoulder pole and sold them as he walked.
If you put a heavy object on one side, the balance scale tips.
天秤座 shares the same kanji as 天秤 but refers to the zodiac constellation Libra, not the weighing device.
stand; base; platform; table; rack · setting (of a gem); mounting · stock (in grafting) · counter for machines and vehicles · level; mark; range; decade (of one's life) · tall building (with a fine view); observation platform · plateau; heights
two alternatives; hedging one's bets
carrying pole; shoulder pole; yoke
chemical balance; analytical balance
lever pressing of a pickle vat
analytical balance; direct reading balance
Standard kanji spelling.
Search-only form; not a standard written variant.
From 天 (heaven, sky) + 秤 (scales), referring to a balance suspended in the air. The abbreviation sense for carrying pole comes from 天秤棒.