1A measuring stick or ruler — a long graduated tool for measuring length. By extension, the standard or yardstick by which something is judged or evaluated. In the figurative 「criterion」 sense it is usually written in kana (ものさし).
物差しを当てて、紙の縦の長さを測った。
I held a ruler against the paper and measured its height.
工作には、30センチの竹の物差しを使っている。
For crafts I use a 30-centimeter bamboo ruler.
お金だけを幸せのものさしにするのは、さびしい生き方だ。
Using money alone as the measure of happiness is a sad way to live.
彼は人を見た目で判断するものさししか持っていない。
He has only one yardstick for people — how they look.
他人のものさしではなく、自分の基準で生きていきたい。
I want to live by my own standards, not by someone else's yardstick.