尺
Meanings
1
Traditional Japanese unit of length, still used in contexts like carpentry, kimono tailoring, and traditional measurements.
The length of this pillar is 6 shaku 3 sun.
2
Refers to a measuring tool (ruler, tape measure) or the abstract concept of length/measure. Often used in set phrases like 尺を当てる (measure with a ruler) or 尺が足りない (not long enough).
I placed a ruler against the cloth to measure its length.
This board isn't long enough, so let's look for another one.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を尺で測るto measure something in shaku (traditional units)
The carpenter measured this piece of wood in shaku.
Expressions
- 寸善尺魔evil outweighs good; one good thing brings many bad things
- 尺を取るmeasure length; take a measurement
- 尺が伸びるextend in length; run long
- 尺を当てるmeasure with a ruler; apply a measuring stick
- 三尺去って師の影を踏まずa student must never forget to honor their teacher
- 三尺下がって師の影を踏まずa student must never forget to honor their teacher