unknown, 11 strokes, radical 钅, rank #76512, Very Hard
zhū(zhu1) T1
1a unit of weight, about 1 gram
2twenty-fourth part of a tael (2 or 3 grams)
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March 24, 2026
铢(銖)zhū(zhu1)
铢 (zhū) is a unit of weight in the Chinese measurement system, approximately equivalent to 1 gram. It is historically used to denote a twenty-fourth part of a tael, which is a larger unit of mass. This character is often encountered in contexts related to commerce and traditional Chinese medicine, where precise weight measurements are important.
Strokes11Radical钅Frequency#76512DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of weight and measurement, including 铢, is integral to Chinese medicine and the culinary arts, where precise quantities are crucial for recipes and herbal prescriptions. This reflects the historical importance of trade and commerce in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Think of 铢 (zhū) as a 'jewel' because it sounds like 'zhu' and is a small, precious weight. The character has the metal radical '金' (jīn), indicating it relates to valuable items, much like how jewelry is weighed in grams.
Meanings of 铢
zhū(zhu1)
1a unit of weight, about 1 gram
2twenty-fourth part of a tael (2 or 3 grams)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 铢
铢Simplified
銖Traditional
11Strokes
钅Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 铢
Podcast: 铢
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AI Study Notes for 铢
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 铢 (zhū) as a 'jewel' because it sounds like 'zhu' and is a small, precious weight. The character has the metal radical '金' (jīn), indicating it relates to valuable items, much like how jewelry is weighed in grams.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 铢 (zhū) with similar weight measurements like 斤 (jīn, 500 grams) or 两 (liǎng, about 50 grams). This term is more formal and is primarily used in specific contexts, such as trade or historical texts. It is less common in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 铢 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your grasp of traditional measurement terms and their usage in relevant contexts. Focus on related terms like 斤 (jīn) and 两 (liǎng) to build a comprehensive understanding of weight in Chinese.
Cultural Note
The concept of weight and measurement, including 铢, is integral to Chinese medicine and the culinary arts, where precise quantities are crucial for recipes and herbal prescriptions. This reflects the historical importance of trade and commerce in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 铢 (zhū) with the more common 斤 (jīn) or 两 (liǎng). For example, saying '我买了三铢米' (I bought three zhū of rice) is incorrect; it should be '我买了三斤米' (I bought three jīn of rice).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 铢
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Cultural Notes for 铢
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of weight and measurement, including 铢, is integral to Chinese medicine and the culinary arts, where precise quantities are crucial for recipes and herbal prescriptions. This reflects the historical importance of trade and commerce in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 铢
Words Containing This Character3
铢zhūtwenty-fourth part of a tael (2 or 3 grams)銖
泰铢Thai baht泰銖
锱铢必较to haggle over every cent (idiom)錙銖必較
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 铢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 铢
It is not commonly used in daily conversations but may appear in historical texts or contexts related to traditional commerce.
It is pronounced as 'zhū', similar to the English sound for 'zoo' but with a rising tone.
Yes, it can be relevant in contexts like traditional Chinese medicine and antique trading, although modern weight units are more commonly used.
