What is the difference between "測る" and "計る"?

"測る" means "to measure, to weigh, to survey" (N3), whereas "計る" represents "to measure (time, distance, estimation, plan)" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "はかる (hakaru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

はかる (hakaru)

N3 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

はかる (hakaru)

N3 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "はかる (hakaru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

測る (Level: N3): Translates to "to measure, to weigh, to survey" and is used when Commonly used for measuring physical quantities like length, weight, temperature, or time. Can also mean to guess or infer..
計る (Level: N3): Maps to "to measure (time, distance, estimation, plan)" and carries the nuance of 時間、距離、速度などを「測る」ときに使われます。また、計画や予測を立てる際にも使われることがあります。/ Used when 'measuring' time, distance, speed, etc. Also used for making plans or estimations..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "測る"

時間を測るためにストップウォッチを使った。

I used a stopwatch to measure the time.

Bilingual Context for "計る"

ストップウォッチで走るタイムを計った。

I measured my running time with a stopwatch.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "時間を＿＿＿ためにストップウォッチを使った。" (Meaning: "I used a stopwatch to measure the time.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "測る" is used for "to measure, to weigh, to survey" in the context: "I used a stopwatch to measure the time.".