Japanese meaning of 杓子定規
Reading:
しゃくしじょうぎ (shakushi jougi)
English Translation:
Unreasonably applying rigid rules
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Unreasonably applying rigid rules
Cultural Context:
Used in business reform debates and bureaucratic critiques.
状況を考慮せず画一的に対応すること。
企業改革論や官僚主義批判で用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for inflexible rules; often with “な対応.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as strictly positive discipline.
Example
Basic Example
彼は杓子定規な対応で批判された。
He was criticized for unreasonably applying rigid rules.
Applied Example
彼は状況を考慮せず杓子定規な判断を下した。
He made a decision by Unreasonably applying rigid rules, without considering the circumstances.