Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Measure" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "measure", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
量る
はかる (hakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
計る
はかる (hakaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "measure" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 量る and 計る.
In Japanese, 量る (はかる (hakaru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 計る (はかる (hakaru)) maps to "to measure (time, distance, estimation, plan)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 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.. A literal translation of "measure" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "料理をする前に、小麦粉の量を量った。" (Meaning: "Before cooking, I measured the amount of flour.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "量る" fits here because it means "to measure (volume, weight, quantity)" in the context of: "Before cooking, I measured the amount of flour.". "計る" represents "to measure (time, distance, estimation, plan)".