尺子

• Pinyin: chǐ zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 尺 = pictograph of a measuring hand; 子 = common noun suffix

Meaning

Ruler. A flat measuring tool used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths.

The everyday, spoken-language word for a ruler. The 子 suffix makes it a concrete, casual noun referring to the physical tool. This is the word students and office workers use for the common desk ruler.

Examples

1. 我的尺子不见了，你能借我一把吗？ I've lost my ruler — can you lend me one?
2. 画直线的时候要用尺子。 You should use a ruler when drawing straight lines.
3. 他用尺子量了一下那本书的长度。 He used a ruler to measure the length of that book.

Usage Guide

Context: school, office, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请把尺子递给我。(Please pass me the ruler.)
• 用尺子画的线比较直。(Lines drawn with a ruler are straighter.)

Don't Say

• 我用尺子测量了这座楼 (For large-scale surveying, don't say 尺子 — use 测量工具 or specific instruments; 尺子 is a desk ruler)

Origin & History

尺 means ruler or measurement; 子 is a common noun suffix. Together, 尺子 is the everyday word for the physical measuring tool.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal