This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

Word

枡、桝、斗
ます、マス
measuring container; measure; box (seating at a theatre, etc.); square on a grid; cell of a grid; square bearing block (at the top of a pillar)
Word

しょう
sho (unit of volume, approx. 1.8 litres)
Word

ます目

升目、枡目
ますめ
measure; square (e.g. of graph paper or Japanese manuscript paper); box (e.g. on a form)
Word

一升

ひと升
ひとます
one square on a grid; one cell of a grid
Word

一升瓶

一升壜
いっしょうびん
1 sho bottle (1.8 litres)
Word

一升

いっしょう
unit of old Japanese liquid measurement; 1800 cc
Word

升形

枡形、斗形、桝形
ますがた、とがた
square (shape); square bearing block (at the top of a pillar); (in a castle) rectangular space between the inner and outer gates (where troops can gather)
Word

升席

枡席
ますせき
tatami "box seat" for four people at sumo, kabuki, etc.
Word

升遷

しょうせん
rising up
Word

升組

斗組、枡組、升組み、枡組み、斗組み
ますぐみ
square framing (in a house, temple, screen, etc.)