Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Measure" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "measure", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
測る
はかる (hakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
量る
はかる (hakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "measure" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 測る and 量る.
In Japanese, 測る (はかる (hakaru)) is typically associated with "to measure, to weigh, to survey" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Commonly used for measuring physical quantities like length, weight, temperature, or time. Can also mean to guess or infer..
On the other hand, 量る (はかる (hakaru)) maps to "to measure (volume, weight, quantity)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 重さ、体積、量などを「測る」ときに使われます。秤（はかり）など物理的な道具を使って測る場合が多いです。/ Used when 'measuring' weight, volume, quantity, etc. Often involves physical tools like a scale.. A literal translation of "measure" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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 "量る"
料理をする前に、小麦粉の量を量った。
Before cooking, I measured the amount of flour.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in 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!
Remember: "測る" fits here because it means "to measure, to weigh, to survey" in the context of: "I used a stopwatch to measure the time.". "量る" represents "to measure (volume, weight, quantity)".