Scales Meaning in English

word · lemma: scale

US

/ˈskeɪɫz/

skaylz

UK

/skˈeɪlz/

skaylz

Definition

‘Scales’ can mean a device for measuring weight, the small flat pieces covering the skin of fish or reptiles, or a set of marks showing measurement (like on a map or ruler).

Usage & Nuances

'Scales' is plural; use 'a pair of scales' for the weighing device in British English but just 'scale' in American English. 'Scales' for fish/reptile skin is always plural. Can also refer to musical notes (music scales), but this is a separate meaning.

• Spanish: báscula (instrumento) - escamas (animales) - escala (medida)
• Portuguese (BR): balança (instrumento) - escamas (animais) - escala (medida)
• Portuguese (PT): balança (instrumento) - escamas (animais) - escala (medida)
• Chinese (Simplified): 秤 (工具) - 鳞片 (动物) - 刻度 (度量)
• Chinese (Traditional): 秤 (工具) - 鱗片 (動物) - 刻度 (度量)
• Hindi: तराजू (वज़न मापने का यंत्र) - तराजू की पट्टियाँ (मछली की त्वचा) - पैमाना (माप)
• Arabic: ميزان (جهاز وزن) - حراشف (حيوان) - مقياس (قياس)
• Bengali: ওজন মাপার যন্ত্র - আঁশ - স্কেল (পরিমাপের জন্য চিহ্ন)
• Russian: весы - чешуя - шкала (измерительная)
• Japanese: はかり - うろこ - 目盛り
• Vietnamese: cân - vảy - thang đo
• Korean: 저울 - 비늘 - 눈금
• Turkish: terazi - pul - ölçek (cetvel üzerindeki işaret)
• Urdu: ترازو - چھلکا (مچھلی یا رینگنے والے جانور کی) - اسکیل (پیمائش کے نشان)
• Indonesian: timbangan - sisik - skala (tanda ukur)

Example Sentences

We use scales to weigh the fruit at the store.

basic

Fish are covered in scales to protect their bodies.

basic

This map uses different scales to show things in detail.

basic

Could you step on the scales so I can check your weight?

natural

The dragon's scales shimmered in the sun.

natural

When I moved, I had to buy new scales because mine broke.

natural