Meaning
測 (soku, haka.ru) is a kanji that primarily means to measure, survey, fathom, or gauge. It often refers to determining extent, depth, or quantity, and can also extend to estimation or conjecture. You'll frequently see it in fields like science, engineering, and meteorology, or anywhere precise data collection and estimation are crucial.
Its visual composition helps us understand its core meaning. The left-hand radical, 氵 (sanzui), is a variant of 水 (mizu), meaning 'water.' This radical is commonly associated with liquids, water bodies, or actions related to water. The right-hand component, 則 (soku), acts as both a phonetic element, giving the 'soku' reading, and a semantic hint. 則 itself means 'rule, law, pattern, standard, or regulation.' When these combine, 測 suggests 'measuring according to a rule or standard.' This concept applies particularly to water, such as measuring water depth, but also extends to surveying land or determining various parameters against established guidelines.
The kanji 測 has 12 strokes. It's a Jōyō kanji, part of the standard set of characters taught in Japanese education. Students typically encounter it at the junior high school level (Grade 9 equivalent), reflecting its importance and moderate complexity.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 測 is ソク (soku). This reading comes from ancient Chinese pronunciation and you'll mostly hear it when 測 appears in multi-kanji compound words. It's common in formal, technical, and scientific vocabulary, fitting the precise and objective nature of measurement and prediction.
- 測定 (sokutei) — measurement, survey. This term means 'measurement' or 'survey' and refers to the act of measuring something to obtain a value. For example, 温度を測定する (ondo o sokutei suru, to measure the temperature).
- 予測 (yosoku) — prediction, forecast. This involves estimating future events or values based on current data or knowledge. For instance, 未来を予測する (mirai o yosoku suru, to predict the future).
- 観測 (kansoku) — observation, survey. This typically refers to the systematic observation and recording of phenomena, often in scientific contexts like meteorology or astronomy. For example, 星を観測する (hoshi o kansoku suru, to observe the stars).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi for 測 is はか.る (haka.ru). This reading is used when 測 functions as a native Japanese verb, either independently or with okurigana (suffix hiragana). When used with this reading, 測る specifically means 'to measure (depth, extent, area), to survey, to gauge, or to conjecture'. It often implies a more direct, hands-on action of determining something's dimensions or estimating a situation.
It's important to distinguish 測る from other common verbs that also read はかる:
- 測る (hakaru) — to measure (depth, extent, area), to survey, to gauge, to conjecture. This is the specific usage for 測. For example, 水深を測る (suishin o hakaru, to measure water depth).
- 測りる (hakari-shiru) — to gauge, to fathom, to comprehend. This compound verb implies understanding or estimating something's depth or complexity.
- 量 (hakaru) — to measure (weight, volume, amount). Used for things that have quantity or mass.
- 計る (hakaru) — to measure (time, numbers, extent of something with a device). Used for things that can be counted or timed.
- 謀る (hakaru) — to plot, to conspire, to plan. This refers to strategizing or devising a scheme.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 測 is used in a broad range of vocabulary, especially in fields that rely on precise data and forecasting. Below are common words and compounds, categorized by their general thematic usage:
General Measurement & Surveying
- 測定 (sokutei) — measurement, survey. Often refers to taking exact measurements or readings.
- 測量 (sokuryō) — surveying (land, area). Specifically related to mapping and determining geographical dimensions.
- 計測 (keisoku) — measurement, gauging (often with instruments). Similar to 測定 but sometimes implies continuous or automated measurement.
- 測距 (sokkyo) — distance measurement. The act of determining distance.
Prediction & Estimation
- 予測 (yosoku) — prediction, forecast. Common in weather forecasts, economic predictions.
- 推測 (suisoku) — guess, conjecture, inference. Often based on indirect evidence or reasoning.
- 臆測 (okusoku) — speculation, surmise. Often implies a guess made without sufficient evidence, sometimes unfounded.
- 測り知る (hakari-shiru) — to gauge, to fathom, to comprehend. To estimate or understand the depth or extent of something.
Observation & Specific Tools
- 観測 (kansoku) — observation, survey. Used in scientific observation, like meteorological or astronomical observation.
- 測候所 (sokkōjo) — meteorological observatory. A facility for observing weather conditions.
- 測距儀 (sokkyogi) — rangefinder. A device for measuring distance.
- 測深器 (sokushinki) — depth sounder, fathometer. An instrument for measuring water depth.
- 測温計 (sokuonkei) — thermometer. A device for measuring temperature.
Example Sentences
体温を測るために体温計を使う。
Taion o hakaru tame ni taionkei o tsukau.
I use a thermometer to measure my body temperature.
天気予報では、明日の降水確率は予測できないらしい。
Tenki yohō dewa, asu no kōsuikakuritsu wa yosoku dekinai rashii.
According to the weather forecast, tomorrow's chance of rain seems unpredictable.
科学的な方法で正確に距離を測定する必要がある。
Kagakuteki na hōhō de seikaku ni kyori o sokutei suru hitsuyō ga aru.
It is necessary to accurately measure the distance using scientific methods.
山頂から見える景色は測りれないほど美しい。
Sanchō kara mieru keshiki wa hakari-shirenai hodo utsukushii.
The scenery visible from the mountaintop is immeasurably beautiful.
専門家たちは地震の活動を常に観測している。
Senmonkatachi wa jishin no katsudō o tsune ni kansoku shiteiru.
Experts are constantly observing seismic activity.
誰も彼の真意を測り。
Daremo kare no shin'i o hakari-kaneru.
No one can fathom his true intentions.
最新の技術を用いて、微細な振動を計測する。
Saishin no gijutsu o mochiite, bisai na shindō o keisoku suru.
Using the latest technology, we measure minute vibrations.
彼の言動から、その意図を推測するより他ない。
Kare no gendō kara, sono ito o suisoku suru yori hoka nai.
There's no choice but to infer his intentions from his words and actions.
湖の深さを測量船で測った。
Mizuumi no fukasa o sokuryōsen de hakatta.
They measured the depth of the lake with a survey boat.
Memory Tip
To remember 測, focus on its two main components: the 'water' radical (氵) on the left and the 'rule' or 'standard' component (則) on the right. You can imagine someone trying to determine the 'depth of water' (氵) using a specific 'rule' or 'measuring instrument' (則). Think of a measuring stick with markings (rules) being plunged into water. This visual reinforces the core meaning of 'to measure' or 'to survey,' especially for depth or extent, always according to a standard. The right component 則 also gives the phonetic hint for its On'yomi, ソク.