直尺 (zhí chǐ) — straightedge (ruler without markings used for drawing straight lines)

Definition

A 直尺 is a straight ruler or straightedge, typically used for drawing or measuring straight lines. Distinguish from 尺子 (general term for any ruler) and 卷尺 (a flexible measuring tape).

noun
straightedge (ruler without markings used for drawing straight lines)
Measure word · 把

Examples

  • 直尺。
    Tā yòng zhí chǐ huà le yì tiáo zhí xiàn.
    He used a straightedge to draw a straight line.
  • ，直尺。
    Huà tú de shí hou, zhí chǐ hěn yǒu yòng.
    When drawing, a straightedge is very useful.
  • 直尺。
    Zhè bǎ zhí chǐ shì wǒ zài shāng diàn lǐ mǎi de.
    This straightedge is the one I bought at the store.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

直zhístraight
尺chǐruler

直 means straight and 尺 means ruler, giving a straight ruler for drawing lines.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The earliest form of 直 pairs 目, an eye, with an unclear stroke 丨.

Open 直 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape is thought to picture a hand with the thumb and middle finger spread apart, like a natural ruler for measuring length.

Open 尺 →

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